Causes of Pink Eyes in Children

Not only is pink eye uncomfortable for your kiddo, it is also something that can send them home from school or daycare!  There are different causes of conjunctivitis, commonly called pink eye, in children.  Some are contagious, some are not. Treatment of pink eyes will vary depending upon the underlying cause.

Cause #1: Allergies

This is very common this time of year in Oklahoma especially after all the windy days we’ve had recently.  The white part, or conjunctiva, will be red.  Kids usually complain of itching or watering eyes.  You may notice some puffiness around the eyelids.  They will not have thick discharge.  This is NOT contagious!

Treatment:

If your child suffers from seasonal allergies, there are several great over-the-counter options. Claritin and Zyrtec both come in a chewable tab.  Flonase works great if your child can tolerate a nasal spray.  In some cases, allergy eye drops or prescription allergy medication may be needed.

Cause #2:  Viral Infection

This will commonly be accompanied by other viral symptoms like a runny nose or cough.  Similar to allergic pink eye, the white part of the eye will be red.  Your child may complain of irritation and increased lacrimation or tears.  They may have a little eye discharge, especially when they wake up in the morning, but will not have copious discharge throughout the day. This IS contagious.

Treatment:

Antibiotics will not treat viral pink eye.  Over-the-counter drops may help treat symptoms like dryness or irritation, but will not help the infection resolve any quicker.  A child is contagious until symptoms resolve.

Cause #3:  Bacterial Infection

This is the pink eye accompanied by thick, purulent eye drainage.  The white part of the eye will also be red.  Similar to the other types of pink eye, you may notice some redness and swelling around the eyelids.  This IS contagious. Bacterial infections can be associated with an inner ear infection.  If your child is experiencing these symptoms, it is important to have your chid examined.

Treatment:

This requires prescription antibiotic drops or ointment to resolve.  A child is no longer contagious after 24 hours of antibiotic treatment.

In all cases, warm or cool compresses can provide symptomatic relief for your child.  Frequent hand washing and using clean towels is also important. 

If your child has pink eyes, the providers at Saving Grace can answer any of your questions or concerns. Whether it  requires antibiotics or not, we can help your child get to feeling better. Call us or schedule a virtual or in-home visit today.

How to Help your Child Break the Thumb Sucking Habit

Does your child continue to suck their thumb as they get older? Although it can be so cute,  there comes a point when every parent wants their child to break the habit of sucking their thumb! Here are some things to remember:

Tip 1: Always Keep It Positive!

When we notice our child has their finger out of their mouth we can say things like, “oh, gosh I can understand you so easily with your finger out of your mouth – yes! Here is your cup.” Or try saying “I see you remembering to keep fingers out of your mouth – great job!”. 

When we say things to our child like “get your fingers out of your mouth” or “stop sucking your thumb” it makes your child tempted to continue the behavior. This is not to be defiant but is just human nature. 

Tip 2: Identify The Trigger 

Identify the trigger of thumb sucking and try to find a healthy coping skill. Some times they are needing something to do with their hands and other times it is for comfort and a lovey would help. 

Tip 3: Say Nothing

Sometimes not saying anything at all helps. Try bending to their level, pull their hand from their mouth (sweetly) and give them a kiss. Then continue to make light and distract them. 

Tip 4: Appliances

You can use a thumb guard or nail bitter to keep the appeal away! 

Lastly…

Remember, if your child is sucking their thumb for comfort and you are raising your voice or forcefully pulling their hand from their mouth it will only make them want to suck their thumb more. I know this can be frustrating but remember they will not do it forever and this too shall pass. 

If your child is old enough it can be helpful have a discussion about germs and why we don’t want them to suck their thumb.