Does conjunctivitis require isolation?

Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
Updated on September 17, 2024
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Infectious conjunctivitis can lead to epidemic infection, therefore it is essential to take preventive measures. Conjunctivitis is often spread through contact, thus it is advocated to frequently wash hands and faces, and avoid wiping eyes with hands or sleeves. Patients with infectious conjunctivitis must be isolated, and any toiletries used by the patients must be isolated and disinfected. Medical staff should also wash and disinfect their hands after examining patients to prevent cross-infection.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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How should chronic conjunctivitis be treated?

Chronic conjunctivitis is a chronic inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by various reasons, with complex etiology, mainly manifested as mild conjunctival congestion and a small amount of mucous secretion, often affecting both eyes. Chronic conjunctivitis is not self-limiting and can be difficult to treat. Treatment is targeted based on different causative factors, along with the appropriate use of antibiotic eye drops and ointments. In cases of chronic staphylococcal conjunctivitis, erythromycin responds quite well, while a broad-spectrum antibiotic eye drop, aminoglycoside eye drops, or ointments may be chosen for other bacterial causes. For cases where the above medications are ineffective, a conjunctival scraping can be performed for bacterial culture and sensitivity testing, and the medication can be adjusted based on the results.

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Ophthalmology
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Can conjunctivitis heal on its own?

Conjunctivitis can be classified as hyperacute, acute or subacute, and chronic, based on the speed of onset. Based on the severity of the condition, it can be categorized as mild, moderate, or severe. Acute conjunctivitis is usually self-limiting, with a duration of about two weeks. After treatment with sensitive antibiotics, recovery can occur within a few days. Chronic conjunctivitis is not self-limiting and is more challenging to treat.

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Ophthalmology
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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.

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Ophthalmology
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Is conjunctivitis prone to recurrence?

Conjunctivitis is a type of localized inflammation, similar to other inflammations. This disease may recur frequently, especially in children, infants, elderly or frail patients, or those with chronic debilitating diseases such as diabetes. Due to weaker bodily resistance, these individuals are more susceptible to repeated bacterial infections. To avoid such situations, it is advised to pay attention to healthy dietary habits, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and appropriately increase physical exercise to enhance resistance, thereby minimizing the chances of disease recurrence.

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Can conjunctivitis be contagious?

Hyperacute bacterial conjunctivitis, acute or subacute bacterial conjunctivitis is highly contagious and requires isolation to prevent spread and epidemics. When one eye is infected, measures should be taken to prevent infection of the other eye. Strict attention should be paid to personal and communal hygiene, advocating frequent hand and face washing, and avoiding wiping eyes with hands or sleeves. Strict disinfection of face washing utensils, towels, and medical instruments used by the patient is also necessary.