Angular Conjunctivitis

Angular conjunctivitis, also known as periocular dermatitis or eye pimples, is a type of eye infection that is characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin transparent layer of tissue that lines the inner surface of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. Angular conjunctivitis is often caused by bacteria, but it can also be caused by allergies or other underlying conditions.

Symptoms of angular conjunctivitis include redness, swelling, and discharge from the affected eye. The discharge is usually thin and watery and may be accompanied by a feeling of grittiness or foreign body sensation in the eye. Other symptoms may include eye pain, itching, and light sensitivity.

Angular conjunctivitis is characterized by the presence of small, red bumps or pustules at the corners of the eye, near the nose. These bumps can be painful and can cause the eyelids to stick together, especially after sleeping. Angular conjunctivitis can affect one or both eyes, and it may be accompanied by other symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, and itchy eyes.

Causes of Angular Conjunctivitis

Bacteria are the most common cause of angular conjunctivitis, with the most common culprit being Staphylococcus aureus. Other bacteria that can cause the condition include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Allergies are another common cause of angular conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis is triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust, or pet dander, and it is characterized by symptoms such as red, itchy eyes and nasal congestion.

Other underlying conditions such as dry eye syndrome, blepharitis, and conjunctival scarring can also cause angular conjunctivitis.

Risk Factors for Angular Conjunctivitis

There are several factors that can increase the risk of developing angular conjunctivitis, including:

  • Contact lens use: People who wear contact lenses are at increased risk of developing angular conjunctivitis, particularly if they do not properly clean and disinfect their lenses.
  • Poor hygiene: Poor hygiene practices, such as not washing hands regularly or not properly cleaning makeup brushes, can increase the risk of developing angular conjunctivitis.
  • Exposure to irritants: Exposure to irritants such as smoke, chemicals, or dust can increase the risk of developing angular conjunctivitis.
  • Weakened immune system: People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or cancer, are more susceptible to developing angular conjunctivitis.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Angular Conjunctivitis

Angular conjunctivitis is usually diagnosed based on the symptoms and a physical examination of the affected eye. In some cases, a sample of the discharge may be collected and sent to a laboratory for testing to determine the specific cause of the infection.

Treatment of angular conjunctivitis depends on the underlying cause of the infection. Bacterial conjunctivitis is typically treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointment. Allergic conjunctivitis is treated with antihistamine eye drops or oral medications to alleviate the symptoms. Dry eye syndrome and other underlying conditions may be treated with lubricating eye drops or other medications.

In addition to medical treatment, the following measures can help to alleviate the symptoms of angular conjunctivitis:

  • Avoid touching or rubbing the affected eye, as this can further irritate the eye and spread the infection.

 

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