13 May 2019 Conjunctivitis in newborns involves: Swelling of the eyelids, especially the upper eyelids A yellowish discharge, most commonly in the inner corner of the eyes If conjunctivitis appears in the first 12 to 48 hours of life and only lasts up to 24 to 48 hours: It usually results from chemical irritation. It does not require any treatment. If the conjunctivitis continues for longer , the baby should be examined by a paediatrician because it may be an infection requiring special treatment. As conjunctivitis is very common in babies, it is important to: Keep the eyes clean Use a compress soaked in saline solution to clean the eyes in an outward-inward movement once only. This article was written with the support of physicians and other clinical professionals from the Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
