Conjunctivitis – when your eyes are itching
After a visit to the pool or a walk outdoors, you notice a burning sensation in the eyes. And when you look closely in the mirror, you also notice that your eyes are reddish and slightly sticky. This health tip tells you more about your options if you suspect conjunctivitis.
The conjunctiva is a thin mucous membrane covering and protecting the visible, white part of the eye that can become inflamed from a foreign object or other stimuli. Many things can trigger conjunctivitis, the most common ones being a virus, bacteria, or an allergic reaction to pollen. But also foreign bodies in the eye, strong UV radiation, or chlorine in the water of pools can cause it.
The most common signs are itching or a burning sensation as well as reddening of the eyes. Furthermore, the typical symptoms usually include increased tearing, irritation, sensitivity to light, as well as stickiness. If a virus or allergy is the cause, you may also notice white or watery secretions in the affected eye. A bacterial condition, on the other hand, is likely to trigger purulent secretions.
You also need to take strict hygienic measures to prevent the transmission of infectious conjunctivitis: Wash your hands thoroughly, use separate towels, and avoid physical contact.
26.08.2020
Symptoms
The most common signs are itching or a burning sensation as well as reddening of the eyes. Furthermore, the typical symptoms usually include increased tearing, irritation, sensitivity to light, as well as stickiness. If a virus or allergy is the cause, you may also notice white or watery secretions in the affected eye. A bacterial condition, on the other hand, is likely to trigger purulent secretions.Treatment
Conjunctivitis usually lasts around three weeks. Nevertheless, it’s best to go to the doctor and have your eyes checked, because only a medical expert can tell whether the condition is harmless or dangerous. Treatment of conjunctivitis depends on the cause:- Viral conjunctivitis: There are no effective drugs for a viral inflammation. Since the infection usually runs its course without complications, the treatment aims merely to alleviate the symptoms.
- Allergic conjunctivitis: The most important thing here is to stay away from any triggering allergens, although using anti-allergic eye drops are an option as well.
- Bacterial conjunctivitis: If bacteria are the cause, treatment usually involves eye drops or eye ointments with an antibiotic substance.
You also need to take strict hygienic measures to prevent the transmission of infectious conjunctivitis: Wash your hands thoroughly, use separate towels, and avoid physical contact.
SWICA BENECURA
Your eyes are reddened and have been itching a lot since yesterday. You don't know whether you should go to your family doctor, a pharmacy, or even the hospital. The BENECURA app from SWICA supports you when you feel unwell or become ill. SWICA customers can use the SymptomCheck feature of the BENECURA app, which was developed by doctors, to obtain information easily, quickly and reliably and immediately receive a personal recommendation about what to do next.26.08.2020
In the event of further health-related questions, SWICA customers can contact the santé24 telemedicine service free of charge on +41 44 404 86 86. A telemedicine practice licence allows santé24 physicians to provide additional medical services in cases that are suited to a telemedicine approach. SWICA customers can also use the BENECURA medical app to carry out a digital SymptomCheck and receive recommendations about what to do next. During a subsequent phone call with santé24, customers can decide for themselves whether to release their information from SymptomCheck to santé24.
