Inflammation of the conjunctiva - the mucous membrane of the eye - is a fairly common disease.. This problem does not bypass the smallest, including newborns.. Diagnosis and treatment of conjunctivitis in newborns requires professional medical intervention and excludes the possibility of self-treatment. However, with the exact implementation of the recommendations of the doctor, you can cope with this disease..

Various forms of conjunctivitis Conjunctivitis can occur due to various causes, including viral, bacterial, allergic, and even toxic effects on the eyes.. Viral conjunctivitis is caused by adenoviruses, enteroviruses, and herpes simplex viruses.. Bacterial conjunctivitis can be the result of infection by various types of bacteria, such as gonococci and streptococci.. Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by an allergic reaction of the body to irritants.. It is important to emphasize that only a professional medical analysis can accurately determine the cause of the disease..

Symptoms to watch out for The main signs of conjunctivitis are redness and swelling of the mucous membrane of the eyes.. Newborns may also experience swollen eyelids, irritation, itching, burning, eye rubbing, crying in bright lights, and frequent watery eyes.. Herpetic conjunctivitis is accompanied by the appearance of bubbles on the mucous membrane of the eyes. Bacterial conjunctivitis is manifested by intense discharge, which can sometimes even stick together eyelids, especially after sleep..

Diagnosis and treatment Parents of newborns should see a doctor at the first suspicion of conjunctivitis. The doctor will perform an analysis, including a swab from the mucous membrane of the eye, to determine the exact cause of the disease. Treatment depends on the type of conjunctivitis.

For allergic conjunctivitis, it is necessary to determine the allergen and use antihistamines. Viral forms of conjunctivitis require antiviral therapy.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is treated only with antibiotics, but self-selection of antibiotics is unacceptable. Treatment includes rinsing with antiseptic solutions and applying antibacterial drops or ointments.

Attempts to wash the eyes with tea, unboiled water, or inject breast milk into the eyes are absolutely unacceptable..

Important Hygiene and Prevention Measures If conjunctivitis has affected one eye of a child, the affected eye should be isolated and hygiene measures should be carefully observed to avoid spreading the infection to the healthy eye.. Parents and close relatives of the newborn should be especially attentive to personal hygiene, wash their hands often before contacting the baby and treating his eyes..

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