How do I know if my child has pink eye or allergies?

The white of the eye may be pink or red. In allergic conjunctivitis, the eyes often feel itchy or irritated with excessive clear drainage, or tearing. A person with allergies may also experience puffy, swollen eyelids and light sensitivity.

What does allergic pink eye look like?

Symptoms of allergic pink eye include: Redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid. Increased amount of tears. Itchy eyes and nose.

How do I know if my 5 year old has pink eye?

Pink eye symptoms could differ from one individual to another, but usually, include the following:

  1. A red or pink tint to the whites of the eyes.
  2. Eye pain that could include burning or itching.
  3. Watery or gritty discharge from the eyes that makes the eyelids stick together.
  4. Swollen eye area.
  5. Unusual sensitivity to lights.

How can I treat pink eye in a toddler at home?

Treating pink eye

  1. Use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to prevent dryness. (Throw out the bottle once your infection has cleared so that you don’t reinfect yourself.)
  2. Hold cold packs or warm, moist compresses to your eye to bring down swelling.
  3. Clean the discharge from your eyes with a wet washcloth or tissue.

Do you need to go to a doctor for pink eye?

When to Seek Medical Care You should see a healthcare provider if you have conjunctivitis along with any of the following: pain in the eye(s) sensitivity to light or blurred vision that does not improve when discharge is wiped from the eye(s) intense redness in the eye(s)

Should I take my child to the doctor for pink eye?

When Should I Call the Doctor? If the pinkeye does not improve after 2 to 3 days of treatment, or after a week if untreated, call your doctor. If your child has increased swelling, redness, and tenderness in the eyelids and around the eye, along with a fever, call your doctor.

Can a pink eye be caused by allergies?

Eye allergies and conjunctivitis also cause many of the same symptoms as several other eye infections. For example, allergic conjunctivitis and pink eye can look and feel nearly identical to uveitis and keratitis. They can also mimic the symptoms of blepharitis and a blocked tear duct.

What does it mean if your child has pink eye?

The conjunctiva is the transparent covering of the white part of the eye. Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is a very common cause of eye discoloration, discharge, and discomfort in both children and adults. If you suspect pink eye in your toddler, their symptoms should be reviewed by a doctor.

Can you get conjunctivitis if you have pink eye?

Eye allergy symptoms are very similar to pink eye symptoms, so it can be difficult to tell the difference. Redness, watering, itching, burning, grittiness and swollen eyelids can be indications of all three kinds of conjunctivitis. Another common symptom is eye discharge.

What should I give my toddler for pink eye?

Your doctor may recommend an antihistamine for your toddler or another medicine, depending on your child’s other symptoms and the severity of the condition. A cool compress may also soothe the symptoms.