EYE, PUS OR DRAINAGE

 

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

 

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR PUS IN THE EYE (Pending Talking with Your Doctor)

  1. Reassurance:  Bacterial eye infections are a common complication of a cold. They respond to home treatment with antibiotic eyedrops and are not harmful to vision. Until you get some antibiotic eyedrops, do the following:
  2. Remove Pus: Remove the dried and liquid pus from the eyelids with warm water and wet cotton balls at least every hour. Once you have antibiotic eyedrops, they will not have a chance to work unless the pus is removed each time before they are put in.
  3. Contact Lenses: Children with contact lenses need to switch to glasses temporarily (Reason: to prevent damage to the cornea). Disinfect the contacts before wearing them again (or discard them if disposable).
  4. Contagiousness: Your child can return to day care or school after using antibiotic eyedrops for 24 hours, if the pus is minimal.
  5. Expected Course: With treatment, the yellow discharge should clear up in 3 days.  The red eyes (which are part of the underlying cold) may persist for up to a week.
  6. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Pediatric SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2004

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