Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsEarly SignsSymptomsCausesWhen to Seek Medical CareTreatmentPreventionFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Early Signs
Symptoms
Causes
When to Seek Medical Care
Treatment
Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
Pink eye, also known asconjunctivitis, refers to inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the membrane that covers the whites of the eyes and inner eyelids. When this membrane becomes infected with a bacterium or virus, inflammation can occur.
Pink eye in newborns may lead to serious complications and requires medical treatment right away.
This article provides an overview of pink eye in babies, including how to recognize it and when to seek treatment.
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Early Signs of Pink Eye in Babies
It can be challenging to recognize the early signs of pink eye in newborns and infants. You may notice that your child’s eyelids appear red and puffy. The eyelids may also feel tender to your little one as well.
Symptoms of Pink Eye in Babies
Symptoms of pink eye in babies include:
Pink Eye Causes
Possible causes of pink eye in newborns include:
Causes of pink eye in older infants and children include:
Is It Pink Eye or Allergies?
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If your infant or toddler has pink eye, it’s important to see your provider if they develop any of the following symptoms:
How to Protect Yourself
Treatment for pink eye in babies depends on the underlying cause. Many cases resolve on their own without medical treatment, but bacterial infections require antibiotics.
Home Remedies
Home remedies may be helpful if your healthcare provider has determined that your child’s pink eye does not require medical treatment. Some treatments to try include:
When treating pink eye at home, the healing times may vary:
Medical Treatment
Medical treatment for pink eye usually involves antibiotics to treat a bacterial infection. These types of pink eye require the followingantibiotics:
Pink eye is very contagious, but there are steps that you can take to lower your risk of getting it. Pink eye spreads when your hands become contaminated with the infection. When you touch your eyes or face, the infection can spread to your eye.
If your child has pink eye, be mindful of not touching your face after caring for them. Some additional tips include:
Summary
A Word From Verywell
It is important to consult your healthcare provider immediately if your newborn has signs of pink eye.
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Azari AA, Barney NP.Conjunctivitis: a systematic review of diagnosis and treatment [published correction appears in JAMA. 2014 Jan 1;311(1):95. Dosage error in article text].JAMA. 2013;310(16):1721-1729. doi:10.1001/jama.2013.280318Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Pink eye (conjunctivitis) in newborns.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of pink eye.Nemours Kids Health.Tear-duct blockage (for parents).American Academy of Pediatrics.Pinkeye (conjunctivitis).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Pink eye: causes and how it spreads.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Why are my eyes itchy? Answers from an expert.National Eye Institute.Pink eye in newborns.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How to treat pink eye.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Azari AA, Barney NP.Conjunctivitis: a systematic review of diagnosis and treatment [published correction appears in JAMA. 2014 Jan 1;311(1):95. Dosage error in article text].JAMA. 2013;310(16):1721-1729. doi:10.1001/jama.2013.280318Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Pink eye (conjunctivitis) in newborns.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of pink eye.Nemours Kids Health.Tear-duct blockage (for parents).American Academy of Pediatrics.Pinkeye (conjunctivitis).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Pink eye: causes and how it spreads.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Why are my eyes itchy? Answers from an expert.National Eye Institute.Pink eye in newborns.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How to treat pink eye.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Azari AA, Barney NP.Conjunctivitis: a systematic review of diagnosis and treatment [published correction appears in JAMA. 2014 Jan 1;311(1):95. Dosage error in article text].JAMA. 2013;310(16):1721-1729. doi:10.1001/jama.2013.280318Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Pink eye (conjunctivitis) in newborns.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of pink eye.Nemours Kids Health.Tear-duct blockage (for parents).American Academy of Pediatrics.Pinkeye (conjunctivitis).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Pink eye: causes and how it spreads.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Why are my eyes itchy? Answers from an expert.National Eye Institute.Pink eye in newborns.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How to treat pink eye.
Azari AA, Barney NP.Conjunctivitis: a systematic review of diagnosis and treatment [published correction appears in JAMA. 2014 Jan 1;311(1):95. Dosage error in article text].JAMA. 2013;310(16):1721-1729. doi:10.1001/jama.2013.280318
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Pink eye (conjunctivitis) in newborns.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of pink eye.
Nemours Kids Health.Tear-duct blockage (for parents).
American Academy of Pediatrics.Pinkeye (conjunctivitis).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Pink eye: causes and how it spreads.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Why are my eyes itchy? Answers from an expert.
National Eye Institute.Pink eye in newborns.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How to treat pink eye.
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