Pink eye in children can arrive suddenly and spread quickly. If your child develops red, itchy eyes with crusty discharge, it’s normal to be concerned. Thankfully, pink eye is a relatively manageable and usually mild condition overall.
Knowing how to identify the symptoms and recognize when medical care is needed can improve your child’s chances of healing quickly and preventing pink eye’s spread. Continue reading for helpful steps, treatment options, and whether you should visit a clinic.
First Steps to Take When You Notice Pink Eye Symptoms
- If you suspect your child has pink eye, you should keep them home from daycare or school. Pink eye can be very contagious, and isolation early on will help others.
- Wash hands thoroughly before and after touching the child’s eye and the area around the eye.
- Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away discharge. Wipe from the inside corner of the eye outward. Change wiping cloths regularly, using a clean one every time.
- Avoid sharing towels or pillows.
- Encourage your child to refrain from rubbing their eyes, even if they are itchy.
- Connect with a medical care provider for help diagnosing and treating the condition.
Common Symptoms of Pink Eye in Kids
Also known as conjunctivitis, pink eye is the inflammation of a membrane (conjunctiva) that covers the inner part of the eyelids as well as the white part of the eye. Symptoms of pink eye may include:
- Red or pink coloring
- Itching or burning sensation
- Watery eyes or thick yellow or green discharge
- Crusting around the eyelids, especially after sleep
- Sensitivity to light
- Swollen eyelids
Symptoms can vary depending on the type of pink eye. Identifying the cause is important for proper pink eye treatment.
Pink Eye Types and Treatment Options
There are three different types of pink eye, each varies by symptom and treatment type. Viral conjunctivitis may accompany a cold virus and can clear up on its own. Bacterial conjunctivitis will often result in thicker discharge and require antibiotics for treatment. Antibiotics for pink eye may come in the form of eye drops or ointment. Allergic conjunctivitis can be triggered by allergens and is not contagious; it may be treated with eye drops.
At-Home Remedies
As a parent, you want your child to be comfortable and for pink eye symptoms to dwindle or be gone altogether. You should first connect with a care provider to determine proper medical treatment before taking things into your own hands.
However, here are some tips for at-home pink eye soothing:
- Compressing: Cold or warm compresses involve lightly pressing a damp cloth (warm or cold) over the affected eye.
- Artificial tears: You can purchase over-the-counter lubricating drops and potentially relieve itching that way.
- Saline rinsing: Sterile saline solution can flush irritants and discharge from the eye. These can also be purchased over the counter.
When Should You Seek Medical Care for Pink Eye?
Pink eye cases can sometimes be mild, but medical care may be necessary in many cases. If your child’s symptoms worsen or do not improve over a few days, you should reach out to a clinic for a care visit. Other qualifying signs include intense eye pain or light sensitivity, thick discharge that does not go away, and significant swelling around the eye.
Also note, regardless of the extent of the symptom, younger children and children with weakened immune systems should see a care provider as soon as possible. Prompt evaluation will help ensure your child gets the treatment they need.
Does Your Child Have Pink Eye Symptoms? Connect for a Visit Today
You shouldn’t have to wonder if your child’s condition will go away on its own. The Urgency Room is here to help, providing expert care from board-certified, emergency-trained providers. The Urgency Room has locations across Minnesota, including Eagan, Woodbury, Vadnais Heights, and Golden Valley.
Did you know pink eye can be diagnosed and the treatment prescribed via online care? Starting an online visit is easy; simply get connected through our online portal. From there, you can easily make an account and meet with a provider the same day.