Pink eye (conjunctivitis) in kids is a common eye infection among those younger than five years (1). This condition causes inflammation of the membrane covering the eyeball and the inside of the eyelid (conjunctiva). Viral or bacterial infections and allergic reactions can cause pink eyes in children. Infectious conjunctivitis is highly contagious, and there can be large outbreaks in schools or daycare centers (2). Teaching hand hygiene and not rubbing eyes with unwashed hands may help to reduce the incidence of conjunctivitis. Read on to know the causes, symptoms, treatment, home remedies, and preventive measures for pink eye (conjunctivitis) in kids.
What Does Pink Eye Look Like?
The sclera or the white of the eye may look red or pink with an absence of any eye injury. It may appear irritated, and the child may have a watery eye. The eyelids may appear mildly puffy or swollen with or without a discharge (3).
Types Of Conjunctivitis In Children
There are various types of conjunctivitis. Some of the common ones to affect children are the following (3) (4) (5) (6).
Causes Of Conjunctivitis In Children
The cause varies as per the type of conjunctivitis. Below are some of the common causes of pink eye (2) (4).
Virus:
Bacteria:
Allergens:
Irritants:
Is Pink Eye Contagious?
Conjunctivitis or pink eye caused by bacteria or virus is contagious, while allergic and irritant conjunctivitis is non-contagious. In the case of bacterial conjunctivitis, it can spread when symptoms appear or as long as the eye discharge is present. Viral conjunctivitis can be contagious even before the symptoms appear and as long as the symptoms last.
Symptoms Of Pink Eye In Children
Symptoms of pink eye may vary according to the cause of infection and include the following (1) (2) (6).
When To See A Doctor?
See a doctor promptly if the following conditions exist (1)(7).
Severe pain in the eyes Symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis that do not improve 24 hours after antibiotic administration Blurred or other problems with the vision Severe redness in the eye Excessive swelling, puffiness, and redness around the eyes and eyelid A white spot in the cornea Fever, cold, or breathlessness (respiratory problems)
How Is Pink Eye Diagnosed?
The doctor will assess the symptoms, conduct a physical examination, and ask about the medical history of the patient. In some cases, a sample of the eye discharge could be collected to determine the cause. A blood test might be conducted to confirm or rule out other problems(2).
Pink Eye Treatment For Children
The treatment for pink eye is not always necessary. In some cases, medical care is required, and it could vary depending on the child’s symptoms, age, and cause of conjunctivitis (2) (7).
Bacterial conjunctivitis: Mild cases of bacterial conjunctivitis may not require any antibiotic treatment and may subside in two to five days. However, in some cases, it may take up to two weeks. To reduce complications, prevent the spread to others, and reduce infection time, the doctor may recommend antibiotic drops or ointments.
Viral conjunctivitis: Most cases of viral conjunctivitis are mild, and the infection subsides on its own within seven to 14 days. In some cases, it may take up to three weeks to subside. Viral conjunctivitis cannot be treated with antibiotics. The doctor may prescribe antivirals to treat infection caused by herpes simplex virus or varicella-zoster virus.
Allergic conjunctivitis: Symptoms usually improve as soon as the allergen is removed from contact. In some cases, allergy medications and topical eye drops, including topical antihistamine and vasoconstrictors, can provide relief. The doctor may also recommend prescription eye drops or a combination of drugs to reduce the symptoms.
How Can You Help Your Child Feel Better?
In mild cases, gently cleaning the eyes with cotton balls soaked in warm water can offer relief. However, avoid cleaning the inside of the eyelids since it may damage the conjunctiva. The use of lubricating eye drops or artificial tears may also alleviate the symptoms, but consult a doctor before using them (1).
Home Remedies For Pink Eye In Children
Viral conjunctivitis does not require any medication and can be healed at home with self-care. Bacterial conjunctivitis may require prescribed antibiotics from the doctor. During home treatment, special precautions must be taken to make sure that it does not spread to others. You may try the following home remedies for pink eye. However, make sure to consult your doctor before taking over-the-counter medications (3) (8).
Place a cold cloth (compress) over the eyes for a few minutes to reduce inflammation. Make sure the cloth is washed before use. Use a warm damp cloth to remove the eye discharge or pus that may lead to sticking of the eyes. You may use lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) to make the child feel better. However, use them after cleaning the eye. When using eye drops, make sure your child lies down and closes their eyes for about two minutes after the use of medication.
Can Kids Go To School With Pink Eye?
The decision to keep a child at home depends on various factors, such as the type of pink eye (bacterial, viral, or allergic), degree of symptoms, and school policy (5). The following are some salient points to consider.
Since bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are contagious, it is advised to keep the child isolated. In allergic conjunctivitis, the child can continue their activities with certain precautions. The school policy is a vital factor. Many schools have a policy that a doctor’s approval is mandatory. The child may return to school 24 hours after receiving antibiotic drops treatment for conjunctivitis.
How To Prevent Pink Eye In Children?
You may follow these precautions to prevent the spread of pink eye in children (1) (8) (9).
Teach your child not to share a towel or any cloth with a potentially infected person. Do not send your child to daycare or school if there is an outbreak of conjunctivitis.
Do not share anything that touches the eyes. Always use a clean tissue to clean the eyes and discard the tissue. Never clean the eyes or rub it with a finger. Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds after coming from outdoors. Avoid potential allergens and irritants.
