Health-Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, better known as pinkeye, is an infection of the inside of the eyelid. The reason it is known also as pinkeye is because of the inflamed tissues that are seen when the eyelid is pulled back. Conjunctivitis is the most common disease of the eye that affects children. Although most types of conjunctivitis are contagious, it usually causes no danger to the eye or the child’s vision.

	Allergies, bacteria, viruses, or chemicals usually cause conjunctivitis. The first symptom of it is discomfort of the eye, followed by redness and inflammation of the conjunctiva, the tissue covering the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. After a day or so of these symptoms, a white, yellow or green discharge form the eyes may be present. In bacterial conjunctivitis the discharge is thick, in viral conjunctivitis it is thin. There is some pain associated with conjunctivitis, but a child may complain mostly of discomfort that is not relieved by rubbing or the sensation of something in the eye.

	To make a child more comfortable during a bout of conjunctivitis, some people offer cool or warm packs. Some ways to treat conjunctivitis are with traditional antibiotics and homeopathic remedies. Receiving chiropractic adjustments can also help mobilize the immune system to fight the infection. In many cases, conjunctivitis will go away by itself with no treatment at all. However it is suggested to treat it best you can and if you can’t then to see a physician. 

Some types of conjunctivitis lasts longer than others depending on what they were caused by. Bacterial conjunctivitis lasts about a week to 10 days. Viral conjunctivitis is worse and can last up to 2 weeks. If conjunctivitis is treated in a short period of time, there will usually be no damage. However, if it is chemical conjunctivitis it can do permanent damage to the eye. 

Since there are multiple causes of conjunctivitis, there is no single way to prevent it. You can help prevent chemical conjunctivitis by keeping all chemicals, including perfumes and deodorants, safely out of a young child's reach. If an older child is working with chemicals at home or at school, make sure that he/she wears safety goggles to protect his/her eyes. To help prevent bacterial and viral conjunctivitis, remind children to wash their hands frequently, especially if their school has an outbreak of "pinkeye." To prevent conjunctivitis from spreading among family members, make sure that an infected child never shares washcloths, towels, or pillowcases with anyone else. Wash these items well in hot water and detergent after the child uses them.