By Ashley Peoples| UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Pink eye is common in young kids and is contagious if caused by bacteria or a virus. Breakouts of the pink eye can sweep through playgrounds and even preschools. The CDC (2019) states that pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is caused by viruses, bacteria, and allergens. Babies and children can develop pink eye by having an eyelash fall in their eyes, indoor pollution, and fungi. Parents should be aware of the symptoms of pink eye, such as pink or red color in the white part of the eyes, increased tearing, itching, discharge, crusting of eyelids, and feeling like there is something in their eyes, which will cause your children to rub their eyes more often.

Different types of pink eye include viral, bacterial, and allergic conjunctivitis. Viral conjunctivitis occurs with symptoms of the flu or a cold which causes discharge that is usually watery in the eyes rather than thick.  Bacterial conjunctivitis sometimes happens with an ear infection and is more commonly associated with discharge. Allergic conjunctivitis typically occurs in both eyes, which may arise with symptoms of allergies and can produce intense tearing, itching, and swelling in the eyes (CDC,2019). Pink eye can occur through contact. Therefore, parents should be encouraged to wash their children’s hands and their hands often.

If your child shows signs of pink eye, it can possibly be treated. If bacteria cause pink eye, your healthcare provider will prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics cannot treat pink eye that is caused by a virus. Pink eye is a common infection that most of us can tell stories about from our childhood. Parents, you can prevent your child from developing pink eye by learning what it is and how it occurs. Ensuring your children’s hands are clean is essential to prevent the transmission of this infection. Hand hygiene is crucial in keeping a pink eye from spreading from one person to another. The CDC provides many recommendations for parents to know what to do if their child has pink eye. During this summer, make sure when your child is outside playing to clean their toys and hands frequently.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019, January 4). Treating pink eye (conjunctivitis). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/about/treatment.html