Child’s eyes fester

If discharge from the eyes appears in a child in the morning or after a daytime sleep, this is most likely a normal physiological phenomenon. But if the suppuration is strong and accompanied by other symptoms, you should definitely see a doctor.

The following points should be of concern:

• the child complains of pain in the eyes;
• the child constantly rubs his eyes;
• the child does not want or cannot open his eyes;
• eyelid swelling;
• swelling of the face;
• redness of the albuginea, sharply emerging vessels.

These symptoms may be a sign of an infection or a foreign body in the eye.

Why do the eyes of a child fester

“If the eyes of a newborn are festering, this may be a sign of neonatal dacryocystitis,” says ophthalmologist Natalya Voroshilova. – This is a condition that is not uncommon for babies, which occurs if the membrane in the nasolacrimal canal did not open during the first breath of the child. This membrane covers the communication of the nasolacrimal canal with the nasal cavity, so the contents in the lacrimal sac stagnate, pus is formed (1). 

Among other causes of suppuration of the eyes in a child, the following can be distinguished.

Conjunctivitis

This disease causes redness, soreness, and inflammation of the tissues around the eyes. Viral conjunctivitis usually affects both eyes and makes them look red and swollen.

Viral conjunctivitis may go away on its own within 2-3 weeks. But it is wiser not to wait, but to visit a doctor as soon as possible.

In addition to a virus, conjunctivitis can also be caused by a bacterial infection. In this case, one eye or both may be affected. With bacterial conjunctivitis, the eyes hurt, swell, the whites of the eyes turn red, tearing, and green or yellow mucus are observed. 

Sometimes bacterial conjunctivitis goes away on its own, but it’s best to see a doctor. Especially when it comes to young children, they are often prescribed antibiotics to treat infections.

Foreign object in eye 

It can be a speck of dust, an eyelash, or something more, such as a piece of plastic. The response of the eye will be tears and irritation of the mucous membrane. In such cases, the baby may refuse to open the eye. Such situations require immediate medical attention.

orbital cellulitis

Orbital cellulitis is a disease associated with infection of the deep layers of the skin around the eyes. Without treatment, it can spread to other parts of the body and even threaten the baby’s vision. 

Some parents notice cellulitis after a stye or other eye infection. Cellulitis is characterized by symptoms: lacrimation, soreness, hot, reddened and swollen eyes. The baby may have vision problems. In some cases, cellulite causes fever.

It is better to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Barley

This is the name given to a painful red bump that may look like a pimple. The symptoms of styes – eye pain and swelling – sometimes appear before the pimple becomes noticeable. A stye appears when a hair follicle on the eyelid becomes infected. When the stye oozes or bursts, it can cause discharge from the eye.

Most styes go away on their own, but some become infected or turn into a hard lump called a chalazion.

Allergic reaction

Usually, with allergies, pus is released almost continuously. In addition, the eyes turn red, swelling occurs.

Keratitis

Inflammation of the cornea of ​​​​the eye is characterized by mucopurulent discharge, tearing, redness, a feeling of “sand” in the eyes and photophobia. Such inflammation can be a symptom of a number of diseases (measles, herpes, chicken pox, adenovirus infection) or develop independently. In the second case, the development of the disease contributes to a bacterial infection.  

What to do at home if the child’s eyes fester

The type of treatment will depend on the cause of the eye discharge. In any case, you should not do anything before being examined by a doctor.

Barley 

When confirming this diagnosis, the following procedures are prescribed:

• washing with antiseptic herbal decoctions (calendula, chamomile and the like);
• warming up with dry heat, with the help of UV or UHF;
• use of eye drops and / or ointments with antibiotics.

Blockage of tear ducts  

“In this situation, lacrimal sac massage can be effective,” explains ophthalmologist Natalia Voroshilova.一 It can be carried out by the mother herself, but only after the child has been examined by an ophthalmologist and has shown the correct technique. With the right massage, the effectiveness is high, and often it helps. If suppuration does not go away for up to three months, and massage does not help, then together with the doctor you need to decide on further treatment. Canal probing may be required. This solves the problem radically (2).

Infectious diseases

If an infection is suspected, a doctor should be consulted. In this case, the doctor may recommend:

• antibiotics – for bacterial infections;
• steroids – for viral infections or allergic reactions that do not go away.

Allergic reactions

Treatment of allergies, in the first place, involves the exclusion of contact with the allergen. Antihistamines are also prescribed. In some cases, therapy with corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is possible (3).

To prevent suppuration of the eyes in a child, observe the following rules.

• Make sure your child is washing their hands frequently. This will prevent the spread of a possible infection.
• Encourage your child to touch their eyes only with clean hands.
• Avoid getting skin products in your child’s eyes.
• Keep your child’s eyes and face clean;
• It is important to ensure eye protection during any activity that could cause harm.

Popular questions and answers

When a child’s eyes fester, it gives parents anxiety: what to do? PhD, ophthalmologist of the highest category Natalya Voroshilova answers frequent questions about this problem.

Sources of

1. Conjunctivitis and dacryocystitis in children: clinical characteristics, current treatment options / Arestova N.N., Katargina L.A., Yani E.V. // 2016
2. The effectiveness of drainage of the lacrimal sac in dacryocystocele in newborns // V.N. Sakovich, V.N. Serdyuk, N.G. Klopotskaya, I.N. Tarnopolskaya // 2016
3. The role of the local inflammatory process and immune response in allergic eye diseases in children / Nazirova Z.R. // 2017