If your child has been diagnosed with pink eye, it can be a stressful experience. However, understanding what caused the infection and the best ways to treat it can help make the situation more manageable.
Read on to learn all you need to know about pink eye in kids.
What is Pink Eye?
Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the thin membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the white part of the eyeball. It’s most commonly caused by a bacterial or viral infection, but can also be triggered by allergies or irritants like smoke, dust, or pollen. The infection causes redness, pain, swelling, and itchiness in the eyes. In some cases there may also be a discharge from one or both eyes.
Treatment for Pink Eye in Kids:
The treatment for pink eye depends on what caused it in the first place.Treat bacterial conjunctivitis with antibiotic eyedrops or ointments, and let viral conjunctivitis clear up on its own.
Manage allergy-related conjunctivitis with over-the-counter antihistamine eyedrops or oral medications such as Claritin or Zyrtec. Instruct your child to avoid touching their eyes and practice frequent hand washing during their recovery, regardless of the type of conjunctivitis they have.
Preventing Future Infections
To prevent future infections, teach your child to practice good hygiene habits like washing their hands regularly and avoiding rubbing their eyes with unclean hands. Make sure they don’t share pillows or towels with other family members as this can spread bacteria between them.
Also encourage them to wear sunglasses when outdoors as this will protect their eyes from UV rays and allergens like pollen and dust mites that could trigger an allergic reaction leading to pink eye infections in kids again in future months.
Conclusion
Take control of pink eye by understanding its causes and effective treatments. Emphasize on preventing future infections by instilling good hygiene habits in your children. Don’t let pink eye get the best of you, instead act promptly to restore your child’s health.
