Conjunctivitis - What causes it, what are the symptoms, and what to do about it

Conjunctivitis is a contagious infection of the conjunctiva in the eye (the inside of the eye that keeps the eye wet). Parents usually know their child has conjunctivitis when they wake up with their eyes stuck together with a sticky yellow/green coloured discharge. They may also complain of an itchy eye. This is quite common in infants, both of my children had this recently so I thought I would write some advice on it.

There are 3 different types of conjunctivitis:

Viral - Identified by a very weepy, red and itchy eye. There isn't much you can do for viral conjunctivitis. I have found using sterile saline helps to wash the eye out and makes the eye more comfortable (you can get these from chemists and optometrists).

Bacterial - Identified by a very red, itchy eye (and usually appears in both eyes at once). Will feel like there is sand in your eye. To treat bacterial conjunctivitis, you should see your doctor who may prescribe some antibiotic eye drops. If treated with this, it will disappear within 3 days.

Allergy caused conjunctivis - This is not contagious, and can be caused by a number of things like pollen. It causes intense itching, swelling and redness of the eye. A doctor may prescribe antihistimine eye drops.

With the viral and bacterial types of conjunctivitis, remember: 

• Its very important to wash your hanwads regulary, especially after touching the affected eye area. This is how it is transmitted from person to person.
• Wash anything that comes into contact with the affected eye (such as towels, tissues and bedding). Conjunctivitis is contagious as long as there is a discharge.
• Your child should not go to school or childcare while they have conjunctivitis, as you don't want your child to be giving all the kids conjunctivitis!

Here are some home remedies for conjunctivitis:

• Breastmilk (if you are breastfeeding). Try dabbing some onto the affected eye using a cotton ball soaked in breastmilk. Breastmilk contains antibacterial properties.
• Try using a warm compress over the eye for a few minutes.
• Some people say a soaked chamomile teabag over the affected eye can help provide relief.
• Wash the eye out regulary with cooled, boiled water.
• Use cooled, boiled water to gently get rid of the crusts.

Make sure you see your doctor so they can determine what type of conjunctivitis it is.