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What it is
Medically known as conjunctivitis, pink eye is an infection on the inside of the eyelid and on the whites of the eyes, which, when inflamed, turns pink or red. It can be caused by a virus, bacteria, allergens like pet dander or dust mites, or irritants like smog or chlorine.
How to tell your kid has it
Watch for eye itching, complaints of a gritty or burning feeling, and crusty deposits around the eye.
Treatment
Pink eye often goes away on its own, but if it doesn’t, or becomes more severe (causing discharge, blurry vision or swelling of the eyelids), see your doctor immediately.
“Antibiotic drops or ointment is required for bacterial conjunctivitis, and a visit to a physician is recommended for appropriate examination and treatment,” Dr. Park says.
If your child’s case is caused by a virus or bacteria, it will be quite contagious, even to the point of epidemic. To stop the spread, make sure your little one washes her hands thoroughly with lots of soap and warm water, and use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
Discourage kids from touching or rubbing their eyes, and make sure they don’t share sheets, towels, blankets or eyeglasses. In fact, if your teen wears contact lenses, it’s a good idea to toss any solutions or disposable lenses they used when they were infected.
Defend yourself
Kids who wash their hands and use hand sanitizer at school stay home up to 31 per cent less. Try one of these to keep pink eye at bay.
Polysporin Eye & Ear Drops, $10.97 for 10 mL.
Equate Sanitary Hand Gel, $3.88 for 60 mL.
Dial Foaming Hand Wash, $2.77 for 221 mL.
Originally published in the Walmart Live Better Back to School 2013 issue.
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