Este artículo es solo informativo y no reemplaza la consulta médica. Si tienes dudas, contacta a tu pediatra o matrona.
Baby Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye conditions in babies. Sticky, red eyes are often the first scare for new parents — but in most cases it heals well and quickly. It's important to identify the cause: a blocked tear duct in newborns is very different from a bacterial infection at daycare.
Posibles Causas
- 1Blocked tear duct (most common cause in newborns — up to 20% affected)
- 2Bacterial infection (purulent, yellow-green discharge, often starts in one eye)
- 3Viral infection (watery discharge, often alongside a cold)
- 4Allergic reaction (both eyes affected, itchy, seasonal — rare in babies)
- 5Irritation from foreign body, chlorine, or dry air
Qué Puedes Hacer
- Gently clean sticky eyes with boiled (cooled) water and sterile gauze — always wipe from outer to inner corner
- For blocked tear duct: tear sac massage (gentle pressure beside the bridge of the nose, 5-10x daily)
- Bacterial: antibiotic eye drops/ointment from paediatrician (e.g., gentamicin)
- Drop breast milk into the eye — contains antibodies and is a proven home remedy for mild cases
- Wash hands thoroughly before and after eye care to prevent spreading
¿Cuándo Consultar al Médico?
- Severe swelling of eyelids or redness around the eye (possible orbital cellulitis)
- Baby won't open the eye or shows light sensitivity
- Purulent discharge in newborn under 4 weeks → see doctor IMMEDIATELY (rule out gonococcal infection)
- Eye inflammation after birth within the first 48 hours
- No improvement after 3 days of antibiotic treatment
- Fever along with the eye inflammation
Notas Según la Edad
Newborns (0-4 weeks): Any eye inflammation must be medically evaluated — chlamydia and gonococcal infections during birth are possible. Infants (1-6 months): Blocked tear duct very common, usually resolves on its own by 12 months. Babies (6-12 months): Infectious conjunctivitis more common through contact with other children. Daycare children: Highly contagious — child stays home until discharge has cleared.
Preguntas Frecuentes
Can I put breast milk in my baby's eye?
Is conjunctivitis contagious?
When does a blocked tear duct need surgery?
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Este artículo es solo informativo. No reemplaza el asesoramiento médico individual. Si tienes preocupaciones, contacta a tu pediatra, matrona o llama a urgencias.