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Pink Eye

Pediatric Pink Eye Treatment Near Me in Memphis, TN

Pediatric pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva in children, typically caused by infections, allergens, or irritants, leading to redness, itching, and discharge. Dr. Susan Welch at All Better Pediatrics emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment to manage symptoms and prevent the spread of the condition. Proper care, including medication and hygiene practices, is essential for effective relief and recovery. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 1102 Brookfield Road, Suite 200 Memphis, TN 38119.

Pediatric Pink Eye Treatment in Memphis, TN
Pediatric Pink Eye Treatment in Memphis, TN

Table of Contents:

What do pediatricians do for pink eye?
How do you know if your child has pink eye?
How contagious is pink eye in children?
How long does pink eye last in children?

What do pediatricians do for pink eye?


This common eye infection often affects children and can spread rapidly in settings such as schools or daycare centers. Therefore, seeking prompt medical attention from a trusted pediatrician is crucial.

When a child comes to our clinic presenting symptoms of pink eye, such as redness, swelling, itching, and discharge from the eye, we perform a comprehensive physical examination. We use specialized tools to examine the eyes closely and identify any signs of infection or inflammation. The child’s symptoms and medical history, including any additional symptoms that could indicate a viral infection are also taken into account.

Determining the cause of pink eye involves careful analysis of the child’s symptoms and the results of the examination. At All Better Pediatrics, we not only focus on treating the infection but also on educating families about prevention. We advise families on preventive measures such as frequent hand washing, avoiding touching the eyes, and using clean personal items.

Tracking the child’s progress is another essential part of our care. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to ensure the treatment is effective and the infection is subsiding. If the pink eye doesn’t improve or worsen despite treatment, the child may be referred to an ophthalmologist for further evaluation and treatment. We are committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for all our young patients.

How do you know if your child has pink eye?


This infection can be caused by bacteria, viruses, allergies, or irritants like smoke or dust, and it’s crucial to ensure a quick recovery and prevent the spread of the infection to others.

Common symptoms of pink eye include a red or pink appearance in one or both eyes, increased tear production, eye discharge, itching or burning sensations, and a gritty feeling as if something is in the eye. Your child may also experience sensitivity to light, fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and sensitivity to sun. Additional symptoms might include a runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, and nasal congestion depending on whether the conjunctivitis is viral, bacterial, or allergic.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, it’s essential to seek medical attention. Our professional medical team at All Better Pediatrics can provide a definitive diagnosis and recommend an appropriate treatment to ensure your child’s quick recovery.

How contagious is pink eye in children?


This condition is highly contagious, particularly among children due to their close contact with others and their tendency to touch their eyes.

The infection spreads rapidly through direct contact with an infected child’s eyes, their secretions, or with objects that have been in contact with infected eyes. Another way the virus could spread is indirect contact—touching a contaminated object then touching their eyes. Respiratory droplets in the air from an infected person’s cough or sneeze can also transmit the infection.

How long does pink eye last in children?


Pink eye, or conjunctivitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or even an allergic reaction. Its symptoms, which include redness, swelling, and discharge from the eye, can vary significantly in duration depending on its cause and the individual child.

In cases where your child is suffering from viral conjunctivitis, the most common type of pink eye, the symptoms usually persist for one to two weeks. While viral pink eye does not respond to antibiotics, our healthcare professionals focus treatment on relieving symptoms and preventing the spread of the infection.

Bacterial conjunctivitis, on the other hand, often clears up much faster with the help of antibiotic treatment, which may include eye drops or ointments. This can reduce the duration of the infection down to 2-5 days. However, if left untreated, bacterial pink eye can last for up to 10 days or longer. Therefore, it’s critical to continue the prescribed treatment.

If your child is suffering from allergic conjunctivitis, our team can help identify and remove the offending allergen, after which symptoms should improve rapidly, often within a day.

At All Better Pediatrics, with our team’s guidance and your efforts in practicing good hygiene, such as regularly washing hands, not sharing personal items like towels or pillows, and avoiding touching or rubbing the eyes, we can help your child recover from pink eye, prevent potential complications, and stop the spread of the infection. For more information, contact us. We serve patients from Memphis TN, Germantown TN, Bartlett TN, Cordova TN, Collierville TN, Oakville TN, and Lenow TN.