From the Guidelines
Breast milk is not recommended as a treatment for conjunctivitis in babies. If your baby has conjunctivitis, you should consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Depending on the cause, the doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops (such as erythromycin or polymyxin B-trimethoprim) for bacterial infections, which are typically used several times daily for 5-7 days. For viral conjunctivitis, warm compresses and artificial tears may help manage symptoms while the infection resolves on its own. Although breast milk contains some antibodies and anti-inflammatory properties, there is insufficient scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness for treating eye infections 1. Using unproven remedies could delay proper treatment and potentially worsen the condition. Signs that warrant immediate medical attention include severe redness, eye pain, light sensitivity, or vision changes. Keep the baby's eyes clean by gently wiping from the inner corner outward with clean, damp cotton balls, and wash your hands thoroughly before and after touching the baby's eyes to prevent spreading infection.
Some key points to consider when dealing with conjunctivitis in babies include:
- The importance of proper diagnosis and treatment by a healthcare provider
- The potential for conjunctivitis to be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as a systemic disease
- The need for good hygiene practices, such as hand washing and cleaning the baby's eyes, to prevent the spread of infection
- The potential risks of using unproven remedies, such as breast milk, to treat conjunctivitis
It's also important to note that while breast milk has some beneficial properties, it is not a substitute for proper medical treatment when it comes to conjunctivitis. In fact, using breast milk to treat conjunctivitis could potentially delay proper treatment and worsen the condition 1. Therefore, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment if your baby has conjunctivitis.
In terms of prevention, early detection and treatment of conjunctivitis can help minimize the risk of complications and reduce the spread of the disease 1. Additionally, good hygiene practices, such as hand washing and cleaning the baby's eyes, can help prevent the spread of infection.
Overall, while breast milk may have some beneficial properties, it is not a recommended treatment for conjunctivitis in babies. Instead, parents should consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment, and follow good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of infection.
From the Research
Efficacy of Breastmilk for Conjunctivitis in Baby
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to support the efficacy of breastmilk for conjunctivitis in babies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies focus on the diagnosis, management, and treatment of conjunctivitis, including various antibiotics and alternatives to antibiotic use in infectious conjunctivitis, and use of antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers in allergic conjunctivitis 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Breastmilk is not mentioned as a treatment option for conjunctivitis in any of the provided studies.
- The treatment options discussed in the studies include topical antibiotics, antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, and supportive care, but breastmilk is not included as a recommended treatment 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Treatment Options for Conjunctivitis
- Topical antibiotics are effective in reducing the duration of bacterial conjunctivitis and allowing earlier return to school or work 3.
- Antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers are effective in alleviating the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis 3, 4, 6.
- Supportive care is recommended for viral conjunctivitis, as it usually does not require treatment 3.
- The use of ophthalmic antibiotics for acute infectious conjunctivitis in children is often not indicated, and factors such as concurrent diagnosis with acute otitis media and later study year are associated with reduced odds of prescribing 5.