Conjunctivitis! This disease we often hear about showing up in some family. But what about when conjunctivitis affects the children in the house? Conjunctivitis is an inflammatory disease of the outer membrane of the eye and the inside of the eyelid, called the conjunctiva, which is where the disease gets its name1. It is extremely contagious and caused by bacteria, viruses, or even allergies, and can be contracted through contact. So, when a child gets conjunctivitis, we can assume they somehow came into contact with the virus or bacteria, right?

The types of conjunctivitis in children are the same as those that affect adults, except that children are more vulnerable to infection. The symptoms of all kinds of conjunctivitis are basically the same:

  • Yellow discharge (eyes stuck shut upon waking and throughout the day)
  • Irritation in the eyes (burning, itching, tearing)
  • Sensation of grit in the eyes
  • Blurred or cloudy vision
  • Possible swelling

The symptoms indicate the different stages of conjunctivitis in both adults and children. In most cases, people only actually notice something is wrong upon waking up. The yellow discharge makes it difficult for the infected child to open their eyes as they should, and they may constantly rub the affected eye. As conjunctivitis in children under one year old is much more complicated, because they cannot express or describe what they are feeling, it may only be detected when it has already advanced to a later stage. Conjunctivitis does not leave any sequelae after its active period, but it can be very uncomfortable for the person with it.

Types of Conjunctivitis in Children and Adults

The easiest conjunctivitis to treat is certainly bacterial2. There are medications such as antibiotic eye drops that can greatly reduce the symptoms of conjunctivitis in children or adults. Viral conjunctivitis takes longer to go away—as with any viral disease, the child who has it must wait for the body’s reaction before it resolves on its own3. Treatment in these cases is only symptomatic, to help relieve the child’s discomfort while they have conjunctivitis.

But how do you know whether conjunctivitis is bacterial or viral? The doctor will figure this out by looking at the discharge coming from the child’s eyes. If the discharge is whitish, it is very likely viral conjunctivitis. If it is yellow (pus-like), it is likely bacterial and then the right treatment can be started. Tricks such as boric acid water are no longer recommended—the correct thing to do is to take the child with conjunctivitis to the pediatrician for a careful health assessment. Extra care should be taken by people with conjunctivitis as well as family members around them so the disease does not spread to the child. Usually, the most infectious period is during the first three days after symptoms show up.

  • Wash your hands very well as often as you can
  • Change pillowcases every day
  • Avoid closed-in spaces
  • Always wash your hands, especially before applying medication or touching eyes
  • Avoid sharing towels; prefer disposable towels
  • Do not pick up small children during outbreaks

Doorknobs, handrails, and buses are places likely to spread the infection, so anyone with conjunctivitis should avoid touching common surfaces touched by everyone. As mentioned above, conjunctivitis is extremely contagious and is very bothersome for children who catch it. Heads up, moms and dads! At any sign of redness, swelling, or discharge, take your babies to the pediatrician, and keep them out of daycare or preschool during these times, as these places increase the risk of spreading the infection to more children and adults.

See also: Urinary Tract Infection in Children – Learn About This Villain

Photo: Kris Kesiak Photography, ErnestBludger