1. What Is Pinkeye?
Conjunctivitis, which is another name for pinkeye, is an inflammation and reddening of the membranes that protect the whites of the eyes and the inner portion of the eyelids. Pinkeye is most frequently brought on by a viral or bacterial infection, while it can also be brought on by allergies, chemical irritants, and underlying illnesses.
2. Is Pinkeye Contagious?
Both bacterial and viral pinkeye are very infectious. It can quickly spread when hands aren't properly washed or when sharing an item (such a towel) with someone who has it. Additionally, sneezing and coughing might transmit it. Children who have been diagnosed with contagious pinkeye should miss some time at school or daycare. Chemical pinkeye (induced by chemicals or liquids, such as bleach and furniture polish) and allergic pinkeye (caused by chemicals or liquids, such as seasonal pollens or animal dander) are not communicable.
3. Symptom: Eye Redness
The common and distinctive sign of pinkeye is redness of the eyes. When properly identified and treated, pinkeye is a common illness that rarely gets worse and is unlikely to harm eyes or eyesight permanently.
4. Symptom: Swollen, Red Eyelids
If contagious pinkeye is brought on by bacteria, the symptoms usually start in one eye and spread to the other within a few days. Both eyes will experience symptoms simultaneously if the culprit is viral. Itching is a common component of allergic pinkeye symptoms, which almost invariably include both eyes. More frequently seen in cases of bacterial and allergy pinkeye is eyelid swelling.
5. Symptom: Lots of Tearing
Tear production is reported to be higher than usual in cases of viral and allergy pinkeye.
6. Symptom: Itchy or Burning Eyes
If you experienced pinkeye, you would recognize it by the intensely irritating, burning sensation in your eyes.
7. Symptom: Drainage from the Eyes
Pinkeye caused by a virus or an allergy frequently has a clear, watery drainage. Pinkeye caused by bacteria is most likely present when the drainage is more greenish-yellow in color and abundant.
8. Symptom: Crusty Eyelids
If you wake up with your eyes "stuck shut," the pinkeye discharge that has accumulated while you slept may be to blame.
9. Symptom: Sensitivity to Light
Mild light sensitivity may result from pinkeye. A person may have an infection that has gone past the conjunctiva if they experience significant symptoms, such as vision abnormalities, extreme light sensitivity, or severe discomfort. Another possibility is that the person has an eye infection or inflammation that is more severe. A doctor should examine the issue in any scenario.
10. Symptom: 'Something in the Eye'
You can get an uncomfortable sensation as though something is lodged in your eye. Or, a young person would characterize it as having sand in their eyes.
11. Pinkeye Diagnosis
Pinkeye is frequently easy to identify by a clinician using its distinctive signs and symptoms. A slit lamp examination could be necessary, though. In rare instances, a lab is consulted to ascertain the cause after receiving a swab of the discharge from the eye.
12. When Pinkeye Means Something More
A serious allergy or infection that requires medical attention could be the cause of persistent pinkeye. Additionally, the cornea or eyelids may be inflamed, a condition known as dry eye or blepharitis. Rarely, it is a symptom of a physical ailment such rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), or inflammatory bowel illnesses including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Pinkeye is also a symptom of Kawasaki disease, a relatively rare condition that affects newborns and young children and is accompanied by fever.
13. Treating Pinkeye
Antibiotic eyedrops, ointments, or pills are used to treat bacterial pinkeye in order to get rid of the infection. The majority of viral pinkeye cases don't require any specific therapy; you simply need to wait for the virus to clear up, which typically takes four to seven days. Antihistamines can provide temporary relief from allergic pinkeye symptoms, which should improve after the allergen source is eliminated and the allergy itself is treated. Calling a doctor right away and cleaning the afflicted eye(s) for five minutes is necessary for chemical pinkeye.
14. Easing Symptoms
Apply a cold or warm compress to the eyes to ease discomfort and clear out pinkeye discharge caused by germs or viruses. To prevent an infection from spreading, use a separate washcloth on each eye. Additionally, always use fresh washcloths. Wipe the eye region from the inside to the outside to remove any drainage.
15. How Long Am I Contagious?
Once you start taking antibiotics for bacterial pinkeye, you can typically go back to work or school 24 hours later as long as your symptoms have subsided. You are infectious while you are experiencing the symptoms of viral pinkeye. To be sure, confirm with your doctor.
16. Preventing Its Spread
Avoid touching the eye area if you or your kid has contagious pinkeye, and wash your hands regularly, especially after treating the affected area with medication. Never share handkerchiefs or towels, and discard tissues after each use. Daily towel and linen changes. Clean every surface, including the doorknobs, sinks, and worktops. Remove any cosmetics that was applied while infected.
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