Can you take a bath with conjunctivitis?

Written by Peng Xi Feng

Ophthalmology

Updated on September 12, 2024

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Patients with conjunctivitis can bathe, but should strictly pay attention to personal and collective hygiene, advocate frequent handwashing and face washing, and avoid wiping eyes with hands or sleeves. Do not share a towel with others. Patients in the acute phase need to be isolated to prevent transmission and curb the epidemic. When one eye is infected, precautions should be taken to prevent the other eye from being infected.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng

Ophthalmology

1min 10sec

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Acute conjunctivitis etiology

Acute conjunctivitis, also known as acute catarrhal conjunctivitis and commonly referred to as pink eye, is highly contagious. It is most often seen in the spring and autumn seasons. The infection can occur sporadically or can spread in community settings such as schools and factories. The onset of the disease is sudden, with an incubation period of one to three days. Both eyes may be affected simultaneously or one to two days apart. The inflammation is most severe three to four days after onset and then gradually lessens, with the course of the disease generally lasting less than three weeks. The most common pathogens are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Haemophilus influenzae. The pathogens can vary with the seasons; studies indicate that infections in the winter are mainly caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, while Haemophilus influenzae conjunctivitis is more common in the spring and summer.

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Written by Zhou Qing

Ophthalmology

1min 16sec

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Conjunctivitis symptoms

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation that occurs in the thin layer of structure on the surface of the white eyeball and the inner surface of the eyelid. Conjunctivitis can be caused by infections such as bacteria, viruses, chlamydia, fungi, parasites, etc., and by environmental factors like sand, smoke, ultraviolet exposure, and chemical injuries from acids, alkalis, or toxic gases. It can also be an inflammatory response of the conjunctiva due to allergic or systemic diseases including tuberculosis, syphilis, thyroid disorders, or surrounding tissues of the eye such as the cornea, sclera, eyelids, nasal cavity, and sinuses. Common symptoms of conjunctivitis include red eyes, a sensation of a foreign body in the eye, burning, itching, photophobia (sensitivity to light), tearing, and increased discharge. Sometimes it can also cause eye pain.

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Written by Zheng Xin

Ophthalmology

39sec

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What to do with acute conjunctivitis?

Acute conjunctivitis is the acute inflammatory response of the conjunctiva, primarily caused by bacterial infection. The main treatment is the local use of antibacterials, such as tobramycin eye drops, ofloxacin eye drops, or chloramphenicol eye drops. Simultaneously with antibacterial treatment, it is necessary to practice frequent hand washing, avoid rubbing the eyes, wash the face with running water, and keep items like towels and handkerchiefs separate from others and frequently disinfected. During acute conjunctivitis, it is important to avoid contact with others, as it can be contagious through contact.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng

Ophthalmology

45sec

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Does conjunctivitis require injections?

Conjunctivitis generally does not require injections. Treatment is based on the cause, primarily with local medication, and systemic medication is used only when necessary. During the acute phase, avoid bandaging the affected eye. First, using eye drops is the most basic way to administer treatment for conjunctivitis. Second, apply eye ointment, preferably before going to sleep. Third, rinse the conjunctival sac. Fourth, for severe conjunctivitis, such as gonococcal conjunctivitis, in addition to local treatment, systemic antibiotics are also necessary.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng

Ophthalmology

34sec

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How many days can conjunctivitis heal?

Conjunctivitis can be categorized by the speed of onset into hyperacute, subacute, acute, and chronic types. It can also be classified by severity into mild, moderate, and severe. Acute conjunctivitis usually is self-limiting, with the condition lasting about two weeks. Effective localized treatment and administration of sensitive antibiotics can lead to recovery within a few days. In contrast, chronic conjunctivitis is not self-limiting and is more challenging to treat.