Conjunctivitis
Not yet clinically reviewed
This protocol was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia and Ward Guide apps for educational use. Follow your hospital's own policies and consult seniors when in doubt.
Introduction
Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva.Based on etiology, it has the following major types. Bacterial conjunctivitis, viral conjunctivitis, fungal conjunctivitis and allergic conjunctivitis
VIRAL CONJUNCTIVITIS Clinical Features
- There is usually bilateral disease with watery discharge, often with marked foreign body sensation, and a follicular conjunctivitis.
- Infection spreads easily and common in school children and other crowded areas.
- Pre - auricular lymph nodes are usually enlarged
Management
- Except for HSV infection, there is no specific treatment for contagious viral conjunctivitis.
- HSV infection is treated withQ Lovir / Zovirax (acyclovir) eye ointment 1 x 6 for 1 week ORTab - Aclova (acyclovir) 200mg, 2 tablets PO x TDS for 1 week
- Tab - Softin (Loratadine) or Zyrtec / Rigix (Cetirizine) 10mg or any other oral anti - allergic 1 tablet PO x OD at night for 5 days a there is complaint of itching.
- Advise photo gray glasses. Artificial tears and cold compresses may help reduce discomfort
- The use of topical antibiotics and steroids in the acute infection is discouraged.
- Frequent hand and linen hygiene are encouraged to minimize spread.