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Customer question:

How to treat eye inflammation in a child? Anonymous customer's question

Pharmacist's answer:

Eye inflammation in children, often called conjunctivitis, can be caused by various factors, including bacteria, viruses, allergies, or irritants. Treatment depends mainly on the cause of the inflammation.

Bacterial conjunctivitis

Symptoms:

• purulent discharge,
• redness,
• swelling,
• glued eyelids, especially in the morning.

Treatment:

• See a doctor for a diagnosis and prescription of antibiotics, usually in drops or ointment.
• Use antibiotics as your doctor directs, usually for a few days to a week.

• Proper hygiene, hand washing, and avoiding touching the eyes are important.

Viral conjunctivitis

Symptoms:

• watery discharge,
• redness,
• tears,
• cold or upper respiratory infection.

Treatment:

• There is no specific medicine, as viral infections usually disappear within one to two weeks.
• Warm compresses can be used to relieve symptoms.
• Hygiene is important, as viral infections spread easily.

Allergic conjunctivitis

Symptoms:

• itching,
• redness,
• tears,
• swelling, often seasonal.

Treatment:

• Avoid allergens (e.g., pollen, dust, animal hair).
• Use antihistamines or antiallergy eye drops, usually prescribed by a doctor.
• Cold compresses can help reduce swelling and itching.

Irritant conjunctivitis

Symptoms:

• redness,
• tears,
• irritation, usually from contact with irritants (e.g., smoke, pool chlorine).

Treatment:

• Rinse the child's eyes with a sterile saline solution.
• Avoid irritating substances.
• Symptoms usually resolve on their own when the irritants are removed.

General tips for eye care

• Hygiene: wash your hands often and teach children not to touch their eyes.
• Compresses: Warm or cold compresses (depending on the conjunctivitis type) can relieve discomfort. Warm compresses are used for bacterial and viral infections, and cold compresses are used for allergic reactions.
• Cleaning the discharge: gently clean the discharge around the eyes with a damp and clean cloth or gauze. Use a fresh cloth or gauze each time to prevent the spread of infection.
• Separate personal items: use separate towels and bedding for the child to prevent the spread of infection to other family members.

Inflammation of the eyes in children is joint and usually not severe, but it must be appropriately diagnosed and treated according to the cause. Regular hygiene, proper care, and, if necessary, a visit to the doctor are essential to fast and effective treatment.

Is inflammation of the eye common in children?

Inflammation of the eye in children, especially conjunctivitis, is quite common. Children are often exposed to various pathogens and allergens, which can often lead to eye inflammation. They also come into contact with bacteria and viruses that can cause conjunctivitis. In addition, they often have poor hygiene habits, as a result of which they can become infected by touching their eyes with dirty hands.

Allergies are also common in children and can cause allergic conjunctivitis. Irritants such as chlorine or smoke in swimming pools can cause eye inflammation in children. Conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye problems in children, especially in schools and kindergartens where close contact with other children and sharing objects is everyday. Seasonal allergies can increase the incidence of allergic conjunctivitis in children.

How long does eye inflammation last in a child?

The duration of eye inflammation in a child depends on the cause of the inflammation. Bacterial conjunctivitis is usually treated with antibiotics and symptoms improve within a few days. Viral conjunctivitis can last a few days to a week or two and usually goes away independently. Allergic conjunctivitis can occur occasionally and depends mainly on exposure to allergens. The duration of eye inflammation can vary depending on each case's severity and specific circumstances. For more persistent or recurring cases, consultation with a doctor is recommended.

What causes an inflamed eye in children?

An inflamed eye in children can be the result of various causes, including the following:

• Bacterial infection: The most common cause of bacterial conjunctivitis is an infection with bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Haemophilus influenzae. Bacteria are often transmitted by direct contact with infected hands or objects.

• Viral infection: Viral conjunctivitis is often associated with viruses that cause colds or other respiratory infections. The virus can be transmitted by droplets of discharge from the nose or throat, which then come into contact with the eyes.

• Allergies: Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by hypersensitivity to specific allergens, such as pollen, dust, animal dander, or certain foods. Environmental irritants like smoke, chlorine in the swimming pool, or chemicals can also trigger eye inflammation.

• Irritation: Frequent eye irritation in children can cause inflammation, such as prolonged exposure to sunlight, strong wind, or polluted air.

• Reaction to contact lenses: Older children who wear contact lenses may experience problems due to improper use or maintenance of the lenses.

Interesting reading: Bacterial conjunctivitis

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