The most common symptoms of neonatal conjunctivitis are redness and swelling of the conjunctiva in the eyes of the newborn. The eyelids may also become swollen and there may be thick or pus like discharge seeping from the eye. Symptoms vary depending on what has caused the conjunctivitis.
The four main causes and their symptoms are as follows:
Inclusion conjunctivitis: caused by the bacterium called chlamydia trachomatis, redness of the eyes, swelling of the eyelids, and discharge of pus and are likely to appear five to twelve days after birth.
Gonococcal conjunctivitis: caused by the neisseria gonorrhoea, redness of the eyes, thick pus in the eyes and swollen eyelids. This typically will appear two to four days after birth.
Chemical conjunctivitis: caused by eye drops which are given to newborns to help prevent a bacterial infection and results in mildly red eyes and swelling of the eyelids. Symptoms are milder and usually only last 24 to 36 hours.
Other bacterial and viral conjunctivitis: red eyes and swollen eyelids with some pus are common symptoms.
If your newborn displays these symptoms then you should immediately contact your G.P. or paediatrician.
Learn more about the causes of neonatal conjunctivitis
