Pink eye and your baby
IF your child presents with pinkish, runny, itchy, swollen eyes, then you could be dealing with a case of conjunctivitis or ‘pink eye’, as it is commonly called. The condition, which has been reported in several sections of the island in recent weeks, is one of the most common and treatable eye conditions in children and adults.
“Pink eye refers to inflammation of the covering of the eye and inner lids of the eye or conjunctiva. Once inflamed, the blood vessels become more prominent, giving the pink hue — hence the name ‘pink eye’,” explained Dr Anona Griffith, paediatrician at Gateway Plaza, Old Harbour.
She pointed out that inflammation can be infectious or non-infectious, depending on the cause of the condition.
“The inflammation may be caused by one of three things — a germ, commonly viral or bacterial, or non-infectious source, for example allergic conjunctivitis, in which the individual manifests an allergic reaction to environmental substances such as dust, pet hairs and certain chemicals,” Dr Griffith said.
Viral conjunctivitis, which is more common than bacterial conjunctivitis, may often present with watery, sticky eyes, and may be associated with a grainy, occasionally painful sensation as well as itching. In the case of bacterial conjunctivitis, Dr Griffith said there may be a yellow or greenish pus-like discharge from the eye. In addition, the child may complain of a painful sensation when the eyes are exposed to light.
On the other hand, if allergies are to be blamed for your child’s pink eye, you will notice that both eyes are not only pink but are quite itchy and get teary quite often. Also, the child will complain about having a runny, stuffy or itchy nose.
She cautioned parents that the infectious forms are contagious and are transmitted by touching the eyes after direct contact or after handling infected surfaces. This means that you should keep your child away from people who are carrying the infection. If the child is infected, keep him/her out of contact with other people. You will need to inform the principal/ teacher at your child’s school and keep him/her at home until the condition clears up. You should also inform the parents of your child’s playmates as well as the staff at the day care centre. Try as best as you possibly can to protect siblings in the household.
To manage the condition and for a minimal spread of the condition, Dr Griffith has shared some guidelines:
•Practise proper hygiene in order to contain the spread of pink eye. Remember at all times that hand washing is very important.
•Sterilise surfaces touched by all infected individuals. They must be cleaned well with soap and water or other cleaning agents.
•Limit, as best as possible, the surfaces touched by the infected child so that you can better manage cleaning the areas and limiting the spread.
•Avoid sharing towels, wash rags, pillows. Rags, wipes and towels should not be used to clean the eyes. Instead, moistened cotton swabs are recommended.
•The eyes should be wiped once secretions are present.
•Oils and other solutions should be avoided as they can create a chemical conjunctivitis.
•The condition is usually self-limiting — that is, it will clear up on its own, but may persist for a prolonged period, even up to six weeks.
• Artificial tears or lubricants may be recommended to maintain moisture.
• Pain medication may be used as needed.
• Antibiotic eye drops may be prescribed if it is diagnosed as a bacterial infection.
