Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is probably the most common cause of reddened eyes in children. Such an infection can be caused by viruses, bacteria or external causes such as foreign bodies or wind. Due to the infection and the associated defensive reactions of the eye, increased blood flows through the thin and actually transparent vessels in the conjunctiva.
This causes the eye to redden, swell, itch and/or burn. In the case of a bacterial conjunctivitis, purulent or yellow secretion is usually visible, which sticks together the edges of the eyelid. Especially in the morning, the eyes are sometimes heavily encrusted.
The secretion of a viral conjunctivitis, on the other hand, is watery, but even more infectious than the yellowish secretion of a bacterial infection of the conjunctiva. If pus or severe inflammation of the eye is present, the child should be presented to an ophthalmologist on the same day if possible. While a viral conjunctivitis usually subsides by itself within a week and there is no therapy option except the most careful hygiene measures, a bacterial conjunctivitis can be treated with antibiotic drops.
In addition, gently washing out the eye with lukewarm disposable washcloths/cloths is helpful to alleviate the symptoms. Compresses with cool water or black tea can also help to alleviate the inflammation. Conjunctivitis is very contagious and so it is extremely important not to transmit the infection through towels, fingers, washcloths, cloths or similar. However, a co-infection of the second eye is usually almost impossible to prevent, especially in children, because they touch the painful eye themselves in an uncontrollable way.For this reason, it is advisable not to leave the child in childcare for at least two days, but to keep it at home to avoid spreading the inflammation among the other children.
Barley or hailstone
If the sebaceous/fat glands at the edge of the eyelid are clogged and inflamed, the secretion or pus collects to a dot at the inner or outer edge of the eyelid. The eyelid swells, sometimes massively, and reddens. Itching and pain may occur.
While the hailstone causes less discomfort, the barley grain is more acute in its symptoms and occurs more often in children than the hailstone. Through heat (e.g. warm gel pads or warm disposable washcloths or cotton pads), the secretion in the glandular ducts can be liquefied and flow off more easily. Red light also helps the inflammation to heal more quickly.
If the swelling restricts vision, the eye is severely inflamed or reddened, an ophthalmologist should be consulted immediately. The doctor can then initiate antibiotic therapy if necessary. Note: The barleycorn should never be attempted to express itself, as it will be pressed into the surrounding tissue and the infection will spread along with the bacteria. The barleycorn remains harmless if it “matures” on its own and empties itself or if the body breaks it down from within. This can take 2-3 days until a cure becomes visible, but patience pays off.
