Eye Infection
Although they are not as common as ear infections, kids can get eye infections as well. While eye infections are more common in younger children, teenagers and adults get them too. Probably the most common eye infection is pinkeye.
What Is Pinkeye?
You probably remember hearing about pinkeye as a child if a friend had it, but since it isn’t that common in adults, many people don’t know what it is or what causes the infection. Our pediatricians at Dr. Sayyed in Burr Ridge, La Grange, Hinsdale, Chicago, know pinkeye as allergic conjunctivitis.
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It’s an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which consists of the white part of the eye and the inner eyelids. Usually, you only get the infection in one eye, although it’s sometimes in both eyes. If it’s only in one, your child shouldn’t touch their affected eye and then touch the other one with the same hand.
What Causes Pinkeye?
Although the infection isn’t serious and usually resolves itself in about a week, it is very contagious. If your child comes down with the infection, you should make an appointment with one of our pediatricians at Dr. Sayyed to determine if the infection is the result of a virus or bacteria.
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The viruses and bacteria that can cause pinkeye are the same ones that can cause your child to get colds, ear infections, sore throats, and sinus infections. In some cases, the bacteria that causes pinkeye is the same one that can cause chlamydia or gonorrhea. Once our pediatricians in Burr Ridge, La Grange, Hinsdale, Chicago, determine the cause, they can treat the infection.
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Allergic conjunctivitis often occurs in kids that have hay fever and is often triggered by grasses, flowers, ragweed, dust mites, and animal dander. Irritant conjunctivitis occurs because of eye irritants like air pollution, smoke, or chlorine in swimming pools.
Treating Pinkeye
If one of our doctors at Lau Medical determines that your child’s pink eye is from a virus, then it may not need treatment and will resolve on its own. However, if it’s due to bacteria, the pediatrician near you in Burr Ridge, La Grange, Hinsdale, Chicago, will give you a prescription for antibiotic eye drops.
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Although it isn’t serious, to keep it contained, your child shouldn’t be around other kids or visitors should thoroughly wash their hands after interacting with your child.