Conjunctivitis
The Irritating Infection Also Known as Pink Eye
First, the bad news: We have seen several cases of Conjunctivitis this year! Now for the good news: Luckily, it has been primarily contained to only a few classrooms in the ECLS division (if your child's classroom was affected, you would have received an email). But it's not uncommon to see this very irritating eye infection this time of year. The common cold is just one cause of this infection, and once it takes hold, it can spread fast. Conjunctivitis, or "Pink Eye" as it is commonly called, occurs when the transparent membrane (called the conjunctiva) lining the eye becomes inflamed, causing the small vessels of the eye to swell giving it the distinct pink/red appearance.
Pink eye can be viral (not typically treated- just has to run it's course) or bacterial (usually treated with antibiotic drops), both of which are highly contagious. Pink eye can also be caused by allergies and is usually treated with antihistamines or allergy medication. Pink eye caused by allergies is not contagious.
With a little bit of knowledge and a lot of handwashing, we will soon be bidding farewell to this bothersome eye malady!
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Pink eye can be viral (not typically treated- just has to run it's course) or bacterial (usually treated with antibiotic drops), both of which are highly contagious. Pink eye can also be caused by allergies and is usually treated with antihistamines or allergy medication. Pink eye caused by allergies is not contagious.
The most common pink eye symptoms include:
- Redness in one or both eyes.
- Itchiness in one or both eyes;
- A gritty feeling in one or both eyes;
- A discharge in one or both eyes that forms a crust during the night that may prevent your eye or eyes from opening in the morning;
- Tearing;
- Sensitivity to light, called photophobia.
With a little bit of knowledge and a lot of handwashing, we will soon be bidding farewell to this bothersome eye malady!
