Therapy for children

Especially children often suffer from conjunctivitis. This often occurs as viral conjunctivitis in the context of a cold or flu. As this is very contagious, it is important not to send the affected child to kindergarten or school.

Usually two to three days are sufficient. However, if the eyes are very sticky, the child should stay at home a little longer. By rubbing the eyes with the hands and then making physical contact while playing, the pathogens spread very quickly and other children can be infected.

In any case, a paediatrician should be consulted to find out the exact cause. If there is a bacterial conjunctivitis, it is important that the child receives antibiotic eye drops or eye ointment. These should also be given two to three days after the symptoms have subsided in order to effectively combat the bacteria.

A possible allergic cause should be considered and desensitization should be started in childhood if necessary. Artificial tears can also be used to alleviate the symptoms in children if they suffer from very itchy and dry eyes. Conjunctivitis in children is relatively common, but can have many different causes.

As these can only be distinguished by a doctor, a visit to a paediatrician or ophthalmologist is always recommended if conjunctivitis is suspected in a child or baby. The treatment of conjunctivitis in children and babies depends in principle on the underlying cause of the inflammation. Every conjunctivitis should be searched for a bacterial cause, as this can be treated well with antibacterial drugs.

In newborns with conjunctivitis, infection with gonococci or chlamydia may also be responsible for the inflammation. In any case, this should be treated with antibiotics, as this prevents the threat of blindness. There are some antibiotics that can be used for children or even newborns and are usually very effective.

Dexa- gentamicin eye drops and ointments have an antibiotic effect and can also be used in children. Conjunctivitis caused by a viral infection, on the other hand, should not be treated with antibiotics, as these have no effect on viruses. Antiviral medication and good eye and hand hygiene can prevent the spread of such an infection.

In the case of mechanical irritation due to a foreign body, the treating ophthalmologist can provide relief by removing the foreign body. In the case of an inflammation caused by an allergy, the allergen causing the inflammation should be identified and avoided if possible. In addition, so-called antihistamines, either systemically or locally applied, can provide quick relief.

In any case, treatment should be discussed with a physician. Self-treatment of the child or baby with household remedies or other medications cannot be recommended from a medical point of view. However, conjunctivitis caused by a viral infection should not be treated with antibiotics, as these cannot be effective against viruses.

Antiviral drugs and good eye and hand hygiene can prevent the spread of such an infection. In the case of mechanical irritation due to a foreign body, the treating ophthalmologist can provide relief by removing the foreign body. In the case of an inflammation caused by an allergy, the allergen causing the inflammation should be identified and avoided if possible.

In addition, so-called antihistamines, either systemically or locally applied, can provide quick relief. In any case, treatment should be discussed with a physician. Self-treatment of the child or baby with household remedies or other medications cannot be recommended from a medical point of view.