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Can you only beat conjunctivitis with those horrible eye drops or will it eventually go away? WWYD?

13 replies

duchesse · 21/02/2012 08:50

DD3 goes to nursery 1 day/week, and every week she comes home with the bug du jour. Last week's was conjunctivitis.

The last time she had this the GP eventually prescribe those hideous stingy drops as it just wasn't getting any better after the usual wait and see period I apply to childhood illness (about 10-14 days).

Will she eventually beat this herself or does it always need drops? I don't remember the older children getting it for this length of time and they certainly never needed the drops- her bouts seem to go on for ages.

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HettyKett · 21/02/2012 08:57

It's worth trying cleaning with cooled boiled water for a a few days when it first starts but IME it usually doesn't work. Cleaning with BM and using it is drops works a treat, almost always clears it quick smart, but I've no idea how old she is or if you're BF.

Untreated conjunctivitis can lead to eye damage and even blindness in extreme cases so better the nasty drops, I fear.

smallwhitecat · 21/02/2012 09:00

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HettyKett · 21/02/2012 09:02

Oh yes, it needs to be BAD and hang about for ages before it does damage.

duchesse · 21/02/2012 09:03

I tried all sorts of home remedies last time- the boiled water which I'm using this time as well, breastmilk (which I may be able to produce a few drops of still as have only just stopped feeding), chamomile tea, etc... Nothing worked. I took her to the GP eventually when she developed red rings around her pupils. I'd never seen that in any of the older children. Her left eye is very red and sore-looking but they are both weeping and have been for over a week now.

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smallwhitecat · 21/02/2012 09:04

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member · 21/02/2012 09:06

A pharmacist told me the antibiotic drops only speed up it clearing by about one day & that the main reason they're given is because nurseries like to know the conjunctivitis has been "treated". Coolled boiled water on separate cotton wool pads for each eye & scrupulous hygiene should do it but her nursery may want her to have drops...

duchesse · 21/02/2012 09:06

Ah yes, I tried the OTC stuff as well last time (had plenty of time to try many things... Grin) but that didn't work either. She must be unusually susceptible as you say. I just don't know whether she'll eventually develop resistance (which would be the best option).

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duchesse · 21/02/2012 09:07

Yes, nursery is pushing for drops!

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ruth6692 · 21/02/2012 13:42

try a homeopathic remedy merc sol worked for my son overnight couldnt believe it ive put a list of different remedies look through and see which symptoms best fit yours worth a try the drops are horrible my ds goes mad putting them in hope these help.

Apis mellifica: Puffy, pink, watery swelling that feels better from cold applications is a strong indication for this remedy. Stinging, burning pain may be experienced, and the eyelids may stick together. A person who needs this remedy often feels irritable, disliking interference.

Argentum nitricum: Swelling with yellowish or pus-like discharge, and redness and inflammation of the whites and inner corners of the eyes, suggest the use of this remedy. The person?s eyes may be tired and achy, worse from light and warmth, and better from cool water, cold compresses, and fresh air. People who need this remedy often have a strong desire for both salt and sweets.

Hepar sulphuris calcareum: When the eyes feel sore or bruised, with inflammation and burning pain, or a feeling as if the eyes are being pulled back into the head, this remedy may be indicated. Yellow discharge can stick the eyelids shut, especially in the morning. Warm compresses, and warmth in general, often ease discomfort. Extreme sensitivity to cold, as well as to light and noise, is often seen. The person may be very irritable and touchy.

Mercurius solubilis: People needing this remedy often feel ill and tired, with erratic body temperature and sensitivity both to heat and cold. Discharge is greenish-yellow and can irritate the lids and margins of the eyes. A person who needs this remedy often has swollen glands, offensive breath, and excessive salivation.

Natrum muriaticum: Swollen lids with burning tears and a feeling that the eyes are bruised suggest a need for this remedy. Mucus or pus forms and can make the eyelids stick together. People who need this remedy often feel sad and tired, acting irritable if someone shows them sympathy.

Pulsatilla: Conjunctivitis with thick, yellow, itchy discharge (often accompanying a cold or the measles) suggests a need for this remedy. The person is emotional and sensitive, feeling worse from warmth and in stuffy rooms, and relieved by cool fresh air.

Sulphur: This remedy may be helpful if the eyes are very red and irritated, with burning, smarting, sticking pains and a nagging itch. The whites of the eyes look red and bloodshot, and the tears feel hot. Symptoms are worse from heat, and light will hurt the eyes. The eyelids may look contracted, especially in the morning

ragged · 21/02/2012 13:48

Duchesse, pm me & I will tell you about my experiences of successfully not using drops & it cleared anyway fine.

33goingon64 · 21/02/2012 20:34

Exactly my situation with DS. Woke up with eyes glued shut Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and today. Friday started with one type of antibiotic (drops) and Monday given gel that turns to liquid in the eye. Doesn't seem to be helping so far.

duchesse · 21/02/2012 23:07

Thank you so much for all your suggestions! I will investigate the homeopathic option tomorrow. It's a bit difficult to tell what sort of sore eye it is as she's only 2.5yo and can't really explain.

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duchesse · 02/03/2012 21:07

Update: It seems to have cleared up of its own accord in the end although three weeks on from when it first started she is still waking up with very gunky eyes. They're no longer red and sore at least.

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