What is conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes. It is most common in young children, because rubbing the eyes increases the risk of passing the infection to other children in a preschool or on the playground.
Symptoms of conjunctivitis:
- dry, itchy, red eyes;
- watery eyes;
- sensation of a foreign body in the eye;
- light sensitivity;
- swollen eyelids;
- discharge from the eyes.
Symptoms usually begin within 24 to 72 hours of exposure to the infectious agent and may last from two days to two weeks.
- Young children may not always be able to express their symptoms clearly, so parents and carers should check if the child:
- avoids bright light;
- often covers the eyes;
- rub the eyes;
- often cries or has tantrums;
- having trouble concentrating;
Three types of conjunctivitis
Viral conjunctivitis: Occurs due to viral infection of the eye or surrounding tissues. Most often, viral conjunctivitis is caused by Adenoviruses.
Bacterial conjunctivitis: Occurs due to bacterial infections. Most often, bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by staphylococcal and streptococcal bacteria.
Allergic conjunctivitis: caused by allergens and irritants coming into contact with the eye.
Both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can occur with symptoms of a cold or respiratory infection, such as a sore throat.
Is conjunctivitis contagious?
Conjunctivitis is contagious if the symptoms are caused by a bacterial or viral infection.
Parents and caregivers whose children have conjunctivitis should consider the disease contagious and keep the child home from preschool or school, especially if the child has a fever or is unwell. Some doctors recommend that children stay at home until symptoms disappear.
In most cases, the infected eye remains contagious as long as the child has symptoms.
Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious, regardless of its cause.
Treatment of conjunctivitis
Viral conjunctivitis: it is necessary to use drops and ointments of antiviral preparations. Strengthening immunity is of particular importance, as viral conjunctivitis is often associated with reduced body defenses. Multivitamins and trace elements, as well as natural herbal remedies, stimulate immunity, speeding up healing. Treatment of viral conjunctivitis is local and general use of antiviral preparations. Antibiotics are also prescribed to prevent secondary bacterial infections.
Bacterial conjunctivitis: usually treated with eye drops or ointments containing broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Allergic conjunctivitis: If an allergen or irritant causes conjunctivitis, avoiding the irritant may help. Your doctor may also recommend special eye drops to soothe the irritation.
How to take care of eyes affected by infection?
In addition to the medications prescribed by the doctor, an important element of treatment is also the care of the eyelids. Each eye should be cleaned separately, first washing your hands and using a clean cotton or gauze sponge, washing each eye in the direction from the outer edge of the eye to the inside.
For this purpose, the Blephaclean wet wipes for the care of the eyelids, available in the pharmacy, will also be great. They gently remove plaque and do not irritate the eyes, besides, they are suitable for children from 3 months of age.
Prevention
Factors favorable to conjunctivitis are also environmental irritants, such as wind, sun, sand, which are especially relevant in summer, when families with children go to relax by the sea and children indulge in games in the beach sand. When playing, children tend to rub sand into their eyes, so in such cases we recommend using Blephaclean wet wipes, which perfectly clean dirt that causes eye infections, including conjunctivitis, as well as the plant extracts added to them soothe and restore the sensitive skin around the eyes.
Blephaclean eyelid care wipes are medical grade gauze wipes for eyelid care. Blephaclean wipes are sterile, individually packaged and easy to take with you, contain no preservatives, parabens and fragrances.
Clinical studies confirm high microbial removal capacity, reduction of eye disease symptoms and prevention for various eye microbial diseases.
Blephaclean ingredients
Blephaclean is a sterile wipe soaked in lotion.
The lotion contains: capryloylglycine, , PEG8, poloxamer 184, polysorbate 20, propylene glycol, zinc sulfate, alcohol, sodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid and water, PEG6 capryl/capric glycerides (e.g. macrogol 6 glycerin caprylocaprate), potassium hydrogen phosphate, sodium hydroxide. Potassium dihydrogen phosphate, purified water, including: Micelles to dissolve epithelial residues, sebum and conjunctival secretion; Asian Thyme and Florentine Iris root extracts to improve tissue healing and regeneration; Sodium hyaluronate to hydrate and condition the skin.
These easy-to-use wipes are perfect for gently cleansing eyelids and eyelashes without the need to rinse.
It has been clinically proven that these wipes reduce swelling, redness and the formation of various secretions on the eyelids.
Suitable for children from 3 months of age.
Dermatologically and ophthalmologically tested.
Manufacturer: Laboratories Thea, France.