Tips to prevent pink eye
If you’re exposed to someone with pink eye, wash your hands often with soap and water and change your bedlinen daily.
After a recent warning by the KZN Department of Health about an outbreak of pink eye in parts of the province, Netcare Medicross is assuring residents that while there is no need for alarm, understanding more about this condition is important to prevent the spread and complications.
General practitioner Dr Nishen Gounder has provided more information on the matter as well as some prevention methods.
“Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is the inflammation of the thin membrane, called the conjunctiva which covers the whites of the eye and the inner part of the eyelid,” said Gounder.
” It can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection, an allergic reaction or environmental irritation.”
“These can cause the delicate eye membrane to become red and inflamed, resulting in discomfort including itching, pain, swelling, fluid discharge and a scratchy or gritty feeling, as if there is sand in the eye,” he said.
It is highly contagious and easily spread in communities or schools through close contact and hand contamination.
If you suspect you or your child may have pink eye, seek medical attention.
To protect yourself against infection, be strict in general hygiene practices. Remember that handwashing with soap or alcohol-based sanitising is an effective way to keep you and your loved ones safe from pink eye and many other infectious illnesses.
Where possible, avoid contact with people who have pink eye. Avoid shaking hands, sharing pens, phones, touch screens and makeup.
If you’re exposed to someone with pink eye, wash your hands often with soap and water and change your bedlinen daily. Don’t share facecloths, towels or pillows.
Stop using contact lenses as soon as you suspect you may have pink eye.
Seek medical advice immediately if you experience severe pain, a change in your vision, any sign of pus or if you notice intense redness in your eyes.
Immunocompromised patients, such as those on cancer treatment or biological agents and those living with HIV and diabetes, should seek advice from their treating doctor as early as possible.
If you are diagnosed with pink eye, wash your hands often and do your best to prevent infecting those around you at home.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
