Conjunctivitis

Neonatal conjunctivitis is the redness of the newborn's eye caused by irritation, infection or obstruction of the tear duct.

The presence of sticky eyes with legaña begins on the third or fourth day of life; In most cases, all you need is a thorough cleaning with saline and gauze.

Types

• Infectious
• Lacrimal obstruction
• Irritating

Infectious neonatal conjunctivitis

It is the most serious of the neonatal conjunctivitis. It can appear during the first week of life. In most cases they are produced by bacteria from the normal flora of the birth canal (streptococcus and staphylococcus). In these milder cases, only a thicker ocular discharge is observed but without inflammation of the eye. Treatment consists of applying an antibiotic ointment and cleaning the eyes with saline solution. The most serious infections are those caused by Gonococcus and Chlamydia tracomatis. The newborn becomes infected by passing through the birth canal. Symptoms include red eyes, swollen eyelids, and a purulent (pus-like) or bloody discharge.

Neonatal infectious conjunctivitis must be treated with antibiotics because, otherwise, they can cause sequelae in the baby's eye. Depending on the severity of the infection, intravenous antibiotics can also be used.

The mother and her partner should also be treated with antibiotics.

Viruses that cause genital and labial herpes (Herpes Simplex Virus) can also cause severe conjunctivitis in the newborn. The baby becomes infected during delivery.

In cases where a serious infection is suspected, a legañas culture will be performed to confirm what type of bacteria causes conjunctivitis.

Conjunctivitis due to lacrimal obstruction

In some cases, the newborn's tear duct may be blocked (plugged) so that tears from the eye cannot be removed properly. In lacrimal obstructions, massage should be done in the area between the eye and the nose. If the obstruction does not resolve, surgery may be necessary.

Irritant conjunctivitis

Some newborns may have eye irritation caused by antibiotic ointment or drops applied in the delivery room. It is a mild condition that resolves without treatment or sequelae.

Prevention

To prevent neonatal conjunctivitis, all hospitals apply ocular prophylaxis as soon as the baby is born, with an antibiotic eye drop or ointment.

A cesarean section is recommended when the mother has active genital herpes lesions at the time of delivery.

Treatment of sexually transmitted diseases in pregnant women is important to prevent severe neonatal conjunctivitis.

When to go to the Pediatrician

If the newborn has very thick, purulent or bloody discharge, and swelling and redness of the eyelids.

If the infant's eye is constantly crying (epiphora), he should go to the Pediatrician to rule out a lacrimal obstruction.