Beebe Early Childhood

A message from the Nurse:

We have had quite a few cases of pink eye (Conjunctivitis) in the past two weeks. Please do not send your child to school with the following symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms:Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the eyelid.There are three types of conjunctivitis: acute bacterial, viral or hemorrhagic. Symptoms are itchy, irritated eyes, followed by swollen lids, light sensitivity, pus and drainage from the eye.

A clinical diagnosis by a healthcare provider is necessary to differentiate the type of conjunctivitis.

In such communal settings you need to take extra precautions to prevent conjunctivitis, such as disinfectant spray use and frequent hand washing.

Types of Conjunctivitis

You should see an eye doctor to determine if your child has conjunctivitis or another

ailment. If conjunctivitis is the problem, the way the eyes look and feel will provide clues

about which type it is:

Viral conjunctivitis usually affects only one eye, which has excessive watering and a

light discharge. Crusting on eyelids sometimes occurs. Viral conjunctivitis is contagious,

and like other viruses, antibiotics can’t treat it. Unless there’s a special reason

to do so, eye doctors don’t normally prescribe medication for viral conjunctivitis,

because usually it clears up on its own in a few days or weeks.

Bacterial conjunctivitis often spreads to both eyes and causes a heavy discharge,

sometimes greenish. Crusting may appear on eyelids. Bacterial conjunctivitis is contagious.

Antibiotic eye ointments or drops may help eliminate it.

Allergic conjunctivitis causes itching, redness and excessive tearing in both eyes.

The nose also may be stuffy, itchy and runny. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious;

it occurs when irritants such as allergens, dust and smoke are in the environment.

Artificial tears may dilute irritants in the eye’s tear film, and antihistamine allergy pills

or eye drops also may help control symptoms. A burning feeling and light sensitivity may also occur.

For all types, warm compresses

placed on the outside of eyelids and lubricating eye drops may help eyes feel a little better.

Thank you,

Amber Vanaman, RN

Phone: (501) 882-5463 ext. 1103

Fax: (501) 882-8406

Early Childhood

Beebe Public Schools