If you are a parent of a toddler, you must be aware of the fact that conjunctivitis is a common eye infection among children. It is often called as pinkeye. It is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the white part of the eye and the inner eyelids. Pinkeye is usually contagious, and breakouts can sweep through preschools and playgrounds. Continue reading if you want to know more about this not so serious eye infection, as experts from Preschool of Whittier CA are sharing the causes, symptoms and some remedies of conjunctivitis.

If your children have conjunctivitis, they main show the following symptoms:

• a red or pink eye
• redness behind the eyelids
• swelling in the eyelids, making them look puffy
• excessive tears and yellow-green discharge from the eye which dries up when your child slips and causes some crusting around the eyelids
• your child may have a gritty feeling, itchiness in the eyes and tend to rub her eyes

According to Montessori Brea CA, the above-mentioned symptoms usually develop within 24 to 72 hours of the infection and can last from two days to three weeks.

Some common causes of conjunctivitis:

Conjunctivitis or pinkeye is mostly caused by some highly contagious infections(either viral or bacterial).Your little one may develop infectious conjunctivitis if she comes into contact with:

• the crusty discharge from the eyes, nose or throat of an infected person through touch, coughing or sneezing
• contaminated fingers, handkerchief or any other object
• infected pool water or towels while swimming

Anybody having infectious conjunctivitis will remain infectious as long as there is the crusty discharge from the affected eye or eyes. In the case of infectious conjunctivitis, you should not allow your child to share eye drops, tissue papers, handkerchief, towels or pillowcases with other people. Children should be kept home from their Preschool Whittier CA until the discharge from the eyes has stopped. Please ensure to wash hands regularly and thoroughly to prevent the infection from spreading to others.
Any allergic reaction may also cause conjunctivitis in children. Though this is not contagious, your child may have a fever, runny nose, and itchy and watery eyes.

Some home remedies:

If your child’s pinkeye symptoms are mild, gentle cleaning of the eyes with clean and soft cotton balls soaked in warm water may help her feel a little better. While cleaning the eyes please make sure to

• Clean in one direction that is from inside to outside of the eyes as this will prevent the other eye from becoming infected in case only one eye is affected.
• Discard the cotton ball after using it to prevent recontamination.
• Try not to clean inside the eyelids is this me damage the conjunctiva.
• Use some lubricating eye drops to give some relief to the affected eye.

When to see a doctor:

Montessori of Brea CA is suggesting consulting a doctor if your child’s pinkeye is not getting better after 2 or 3 days or she is having any of the following:

• severe pain in the affected eye
• problem with her vision
• if she is having Increased swelling, redness, and tenderness in the eyelids or around the eyes
• having high temperature and a persistent white spot in the cornea