“Is a warm or cold compress better for conjunctivitis?”
My 16 year old daughter has conjunctivitis. I want to know if a warm or cold compress is better for conjunctivitis?
6 Answers
We do not recommend compress for conjunctivitis
For conjunctivitis: WARM compresses (not hot) so you can use warm compresses to clean pus and/or secretions. Cold water is mostly used to relieve itchiness and swelling (which are more rare in bacterial or infectious conjunctivitis).
I hope that answer your questions,
Thank you,
Dr. Lucie Khouri
I hope that answer your questions,
Thank you,
Dr. Lucie Khouri
It depends on the cause. See an ophthalmologist for treatment.
Conjunctivitis can be from several causes. infectious, inflammatory, neoplastic, trauma, allergies and others. The most common forms in children are viral and allergic. If she is symptomatic with redness, pain and clear (not milky looking) tearing then cold compresses are preferred. She should see an ophthalmologist if symptoms don't improve or if there is light sensitivity or the vision worsens. Also, not all red eyes are from conjunctivitis so if it has not improved in a week then she should see your eye care provider.
Cold compresses in the first 24 to 48 hours can help control itching, especially with allergic conjunctivitis; however, if the condition persists, warm compresses are better to clean away bacteria and seek attention from your eye care professional.
Any compress will do. Judge it by the comfort derived.
