What Is Pink Eye And How To Treat It

Conjunctivitis more commonly referred to as pink eye, is commonly caused by a bacterial or viral infection resulting in inflammation and tearing of the eyes. A suspected case requires that the proper precautionary measures are taken as the infection is highly contagious and can be contracted by sharing items, sneezing or coughing. With knowledge of what is pink eye, it can assist in taking precautionary measures and seeking effective treatment.

Redness, tearing, discharge, itching and pain are common indications that you may be suffering from conjunctivitis. The classic pink or red coloring surrounding the eye is related to the inflammation of surrounding membranes. Bacterial and viral cases are highly infectious, but other causes for irritation including allergies or chemical exposure are not contagious and requires specific treatments to relieve symptoms.

Pink eye is contracted by sharing objects with an infected person including towels, cleaning your hands and face in the same wash basin, coughing and sneezing. Infection requires the proper methods of hygiene and containment to prevent other people from contracting the condition. Kids should not be allowed to attend school until the infection has cleared as it can be easily spread among children.

Allergy sufferers exposed to irritants including pollen, pet dander and dust may suffer from allergic conjunctivitis. The inflammation and itchiness are exacerbated by the allergens and require prescription medication including eye drops to relieve the discomfort and reduce the redness. Pink eye caused by allergies is not contagious and can be prevented with a course of sinus or hayfever medication.

A multitude of symptoms may indicate the presence of infection with the most common being the redness of the eye. Adverse reactions including itching, swelling, burning, tearing and the formation of dirt or crust along the eyelid. Severe cases may cause the accumulation of discharge to make it difficult to open the eyes after sleeping and requires gentle cleaning with soft cotton pads or material that can be hygienically disposed of.

Visiting with a practitioner will aid in diagnosing conjunctivitis and determining whether symptoms may indicate the presence of other disorders. Chronic reactions including inflammation and dry eyes may reveal a chronic allergic condition that requires further investigation and specialized treatment plans. Where severe cases do not respond to conventional therapy, a doctor may swab the infected area to be sent for analysis.

A bacterial infection may be treated with an antibiotic ointment to be applied to the eye every few hours on a daily basis. Viral cases will be provided individualized care plans to support healthy function and improve the severity of symptoms. Pink eye cannot be treated at home and requires a prescription from a practitioner to manage symptoms and clear the infection.

Cases of conjunctivitis requires special hygiene measures including regular washing of hands and keeping towels and wash cloths of the infected person separate from non-infected persons. All wash basins, baths and door knobs should be wiped down with antibacterial solutions to prevent its spread. Seeking professional treatment as soon as symptoms present can assist in a fast recovery.

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