What is it
Childhood conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, a clear membrane that lines the sclera (white part of the eye) and contains small blood vessels. When these vessels become inflamed, the eye becomes red.
It can appear in adults and children and usually evolves favorably, unless it is not treated properly.
Conjunctivitis can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, an allergic reaction due to exposure to an agent (allergens) that induces hypersensitivity in some people, or irritation of the edge of the eyelid (blepharitis) as a result of the use of cosmetics or contact with irritating substances in the environment. Each of these causes gives rise to different types of conjunctivitis: infectious, allergic, irritative.
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The symptoms are very visible and characteristic, such as eye redness, itching (predominates in allergic conjunctivitis), tearing, secretions and stuck eyelids (especially in bacterial conjunctivitis). To a lesser extent, when conjunctivitis occurs with complications, it can produce a foreign body sensation inside the eye, greater sensitivity to light and significant inflammation of the eyelids.
Treatment of childhood conjunctivitis
In most cases, conjunctivitis in children is mild and its treatment will depend on the cause that produces it.
There is no specific treatment for viral conjunctivitis . On the other hand, in bacterial diseases, antibiotic eye drops are usually prescribed. Both types of conjunctivitis are very contagious, so it will be necessary to take basic hygienic measures to avoid contagion to the rest of the family, such as not touching or rubbing your eyes, not sharing any item that has been in contact with the infected eye (towels, pillowcases, etc.), washing your hands and cleaning up secretions. In these cases, the child should not go to school until at least 24 hours have elapsed since the start of treatment.
If the cause is an allergy, the child may need to be given an antihistamine. Also, when exposure to the allergen that causes it is avoided, it is possible that it will resolve on its own after a few days of evolution.
The discomfort of irritative conjunctivitis begins to subside when you stop being in contact with the irritating substance and anti-inflammatory treatment is administered.
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