Can acute conjunctivitis cause facial swelling?

Written by Tao Yuan
Ophthalmology
Updated on October 21, 2024
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Acute conjunctivitis can possibly cause swelling of the eyelids and the face.

Acute conjunctivitis is a common ophthalmic disease, usually caused by neglecting eye hygiene. For example, rubbing your eyes with dirty hands, washing your face with unclean water, and wiping your eyes with contaminated towels, tissues, or wet wipes can transfer viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens from the environment into the eyes, thereby causing infection and conjunctivitis.

Inflammatory stimulation can cause reactive swelling of the skin adjacent to the eye. Conjunctivitis needs timely treatment with anti-infective eye drops to eliminate symptoms. For instance, bacterial infections can be treated with eye drops such as Levofloxacin Hydrochloride and Fusidic Acid, while viral infections can be treated with Ganciclovir and Acyclovir eye drops.

(Please follow medical advice when using medications.)

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
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Acute conjunctivitis is commonly known as pink eye.

Acute conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye or "fire eye," is more prevalent in spring and summer. It is a seasonal contagious disease, mainly transmitted through contact. Transmission often occurs by touching the secretions from the eyes of an infected person, shaking hands with someone who has pink eye, or by rubbing the eyes with dirty hands. Acute conjunctivitis is highly contagious, and the symptoms of eye irritation are quite severe, including sensations of stinging, burning, foreign body sensation, as well as photophobia, tearing, and purulent discharge. It is essential to seek medical attention promptly and to emphasize isolation and disinfection.

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How is conjunctivitis caused?

Conjunctivitis is one of the most common diseases in ophthalmology. The causes can be divided into microbial and non-microbial categories, and based on different sources, they can be categorized as exogenous or endogenous. It may also be caused by the spread of inflammation from adjacent tissues, with the most common cause being microbial infections. The pathogens can be bacteria or chlamydia, with occasional fungal, Rickettsia, and parasitic infections.

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Can you take a bath with conjunctivitis?

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 Zheng Xin
Ophthalmology
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Is it good to apply heat to acute conjunctivitis?

Acute conjunctivitis is usually caused by bacterial infection, also known as pink eye. In the early stages of treating acute conjunctivitis, it is necessary to choose sensitive antibiotics for anti-infection treatment, such as antibiotic eye drops. Frequent application can alleviate symptoms. Generally, it is not recommended to apply heat as this can easily lead to the spread of local infection and may also lead to cross-infection. However, appropriate local cold compresses can be applied, as acute conjunctivitis is characterized by symptoms such as redness, swelling, heat, pain, and increased secretions. Local cold compresses can help reduce symptoms and relieve discomfort.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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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.