As a parent, the health of your child is probably number one on your priority list. However, as much as we want to protect our children from sickness, we cannot always do so. One of the most common childhood illnesses, pinkeye, can often take you by surprise. This contagious yet treatable condition is easy to handle if you know the right steps to take. Do you know what to do if you think your child has pinkeye? Find out with help from your jFords and Perth Amboy-area pediatrician at 7 Days Pediatrics in Edison, NJ.

What is pinkeye? 
Pinkeye is an infection of the clear membrane which covers the eye called the conjunctiva. This condition, known medically as conjunctivitis, comes from many different sources, including bacterial and viral infections and allergies. Newborns are at a high risk for developing pinkeye. When caused by bacterial or viral infection, it is contagious and can spread from person to person by touch, coughing, or sneezing. It may also transfer by swimming in the same pool or sharing the same towel as a person with pinkeye. It can also spread from one eye to the other.

How do I know my child has pinkeye? 
Pinkeye may be shocking at first as it makes the eye very red and produces a discharge. This discharge often causes the eye to stick together while your child sleeps, creating an alarming situation in the morning. Other symptoms include light sensitivity and swollen eyes. Pinkeye caused by allergies usually presents itself alongside itching and watery eyes.

Pinkeye Treatment in Perth Amboy and Fords, NJ
Your first step when you notice your child has pinkeye is to contact your pediatrician. Since no two people are the same, symptoms may present themselves differently or be similar to other eye conditions. Your pediatrician may prescribe antibiotics in the form of eye drops placed into the eyes several times a day. Pinkeye related to allergies usually responds to allergy medications like antihistamines. Pinkeye, even left untreated, usually clears up in about a week. If you notice that untreated pinkeye lasts longer than a week, or treated pinkeye lasts longer than 3 days, you should seek further medical attention.

For more information on pinkeye, please contact Dr. Gauri Bhagwat, MD, FAAP, Dr. Hung Nguyen, MD, FAAP, and Dr. Nimisha Shukla, MD, FAAP at 7 Days Pediatrics serving Fords and Perth Amboy in Edison, NJ. Call (732) 661-0966 to schedule your child’s appointment today!