Common Childhood Illnesses and Ailments- Eyes

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	A chart summarizing common childhood infections, allergies, and irritations that occur on or around the eyes. Note: This chart is only a guide and should not replace your doctor's advice.

Condition	What Are The Signs and Symptoms?	Is It Contagious?
Allergies	Symptoms may include red, itchy, or watery eyes; stuffy or runny nose; sneezing. Can also present with wheezing, difficulty breathing, hives, rashes, stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting.	No
Allergic Conjunctivitis	Red, teary, swollen, itchy eyes; bloodshot eyes; runny nose and sneezing.	No
Blepharitis	Chronic red, swollen, itchy, flaky or crusty eyelids. Eye may tear or be very dry.	No
Blocked Tear Duct	Watery eyes. May present with white or yellow discharge from eye that may crust over during the night. Common in newborns.	No
Chalazion	Small, firm bump on the eyelid that may be slightly painful. Resembles sty except larger and located farther from edge of eye.	No
Conjunctivitis- Bacterial or Viral (Pink Eye)	Pink or red itchy eyes; red, swollen eyelids; watery drainage. Yellow, crusty eye which can cause eyelid to become sealed shut.	Yes; until after 24 hours of antibiotic eye drops (for bacterial) or when eyes are clear.
Dehydration	More than six hours without a wet diaper; dry mouth; lethargy; sunken soft spot on head; sunken eyes; skin that does not bounce back when pinched and released; irritability; increased heart rate and respiratory rate.	No
Environmental Allergies Requires immediate medical attention if severe	Persistent cold-like symptoms; congestion; runny nose (mucus is clear and thin); sneezing; red, itchy, watery eyes; dry cough; breathing difficulties, itchy red skin rash.	No
Food Allergy Requires immediate medical attention if severe	Occurs after contact with a particular food. May have dry, itchy rash on various parts of the body. May present with itching and swelling of face, lips, and mouth; hives; watery eyes and runny nose; vomiting, diarrhea, or difficulty breathing.	No
Kawasaki Disease	Fever, reddening of the eyes (conjunctivitis), red and dry lips, swollen tongue, gingivitis, swollen glands in the neck and a swollen, red, peeling skin on the hands and feet.	No
Sty	Tender, red, pus-filled bump on eyelid; watering of eye.	No