Definition: Conjunctivitis, more commonly referred to as "pinkeye," is an infection of the lining of the eye lid. It is one of the most common ailments among children. The condition is usually caused by allergens, viruses, or bacteria.
Pinkeye is typically seen as a redness in the white of the eye. The condition can cause the child's eye to itch and burn, and is sometimes affiliated with a discharge that may cause the eyelashes to stick together. Sometimes the first sign of pinkeye is when a child has trouble opening the eye when waking up after sleeping.
Some forms of pinkeye are contagious. It is usually spread by children coming into contact with tears or discharges from the eyes of an infected child and then touching their own eye. Pinkeye can also be spread through sneezing or coughing.
Parents should take their child to a health provider if pinkeye is suspected. A child with pinkeye typically cannot remain in child care or return until receiving at least 24 hours of antiobitic treatment and/or medicated eye drops; being released to come back from the child's doctor; or until after the itching, pain, and/or tearing has stopped. Parents should learn what the particular guidelines and policies are with their own provider.
Pinkeye is typically seen as a redness in the white of the eye. The condition can cause the child's eye to itch and burn, and is sometimes affiliated with a discharge that may cause the eyelashes to stick together. Sometimes the first sign of pinkeye is when a child has trouble opening the eye when waking up after sleeping.
Some forms of pinkeye are contagious. It is usually spread by children coming into contact with tears or discharges from the eyes of an infected child and then touching their own eye. Pinkeye can also be spread through sneezing or coughing.
Parents should take their child to a health provider if pinkeye is suspected. A child with pinkeye typically cannot remain in child care or return until receiving at least 24 hours of antiobitic treatment and/or medicated eye drops; being released to come back from the child's doctor; or until after the itching, pain, and/or tearing has stopped. Parents should learn what the particular guidelines and policies are with their own provider.
