Baby conjunctivitis: how to recognize and treat it?

Itching, redness, discharge… Conjunctivitis, whatever the origin, is rarely a pleasant moment. Fortunately, it is possible to treat them quite easily, thanks to appropriate treatment. We will explain everything to you.

A conjunctivitis designates an inflammation of the conjunctiva, that is to say the white membrane which envelops the eyeball as well as the internal part of the eyelids. This disorder is characterized by redness of the eyes, without visual impairment. A burning or gritty sensation under the eyelid is often associated.

Conjunctivitis may be accompanied by watery eyes, itching and discharge. If the latter is purulent, it is conjunctivitis of infectious origin. Conjunctivitis can also be viral. Measles, chickenpox or Covid can be responsible for conjunctivitis.

In babies, there are other types of conjunctivitis. Newborns may present neonatal conjunctivitis : it is rare but can be severe. Contamination occurs during childbirth when passing through the birth canal, through transmission from mother to child.

In infants, conjunctivitis is generally bacterial. The baby’s lacrimal system promotes blockage of the tear ducts. Eye discharge is blocked and stagnation leads to infection.

In children, conjunctivitis is often of viral origin. It is very contagious due to spread through contact between children. Redness in one or both eyes is the most easily recognizable symptom. Other signs include tearing, discharge and itching as well as a burning sensation.

Viral conjunctivitis can heal on its own. However, it is always best to consult a doctor. The healthcare professional will be able to determine the type of infection (bacteria, virus or allergic reaction). The right treatment can then be prescribed.

To treat your child’s eyes, the University Hospitals of Geneva recommend:

Wash your hands and those of your child before any treatment;
Clean the eyes with cotton or clean compresses;
Use boiled (and cooled) water or physiological serum;
Remove secretion crusts before giving treatment.

If it is bacterial conjunctivitis, the treatment is generally antibiotic eye drops. In case of allergic conjunctivitis, the treatment is anti-allergic eye drops.