Dr Olson Huff and his team of experts provide you with up to date information about your child’s health. In our health section you can find tips on common childhood ailments such as diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Find out how to prepare your child for visits to the doctor or dentist and hints on how to care for your sick child or baby.
Pink eye or conjunctivitis
Pink eye or conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the lining of the eye ball.
What are the causes?
There are many causes of this disorder but the most common is a group of viruses known as adenovirus. It can also be caused by bacteria and allergiesPossible Symptoms
- Redness in the lining (conjunctiva) of the eyes
- Watery discharge Increased sensitivity to light
- Burning and itching of the eyes
- Yellow or green discharge
- Child may wake up with eye lases 'glued' together with discharge
Should I see a Doctor?
- If the discharge becomes thick, yellow or green.
- Pain increases.
- Fever occurs or other symptoms like an ear ache, sore throat or rash develops.
What is the treatment?
- For most cases, warm compresses over the closed eyes for two to three minutes several times a day will be sufficient.
- Avoid exposure to bright lights.
- Use protective gloves if possible when managing a child with pink eye.
- Scrupulous adherence to hand washing and cleansing of objects used for play.
- Avoid contact with other children until the inflammation subsides.
- Antibiotic drops or ointment may be needed
Most cases of “pink eye” resolve with simple treatment. If a visit to the doctor is required, other measures may be prescribed such as antibiotic drops or ointment. Remember that the adenovirus group is easily transmitted to others by coughs, sneezes and touch so wash those hands and cover those “wheezles and sneezles”!
By Dr. Olson Huff, FAAP
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