bacterial infection how long contagious :: Article CreatorWhat's The Difference Between Viral And Bacterial Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)?
Pink eye is an eye infection that may occur due to a virus, bacteria, or allergen. Viral and bacterial pink eye are highly contagious. While the two conditions may look similar, their causes and how long they last will be different.
Pink eye is an infection that causes your eyes to become itchy and swollen. It's also called conjunctivitis. Not all types of pink eye are contagious. When the condition occurs from a bacteria or a virus, you can spread it to someone else.
Bacterial and viral pink eye share similar symptoms, but there are some unique signs of each type. If your conjunctivitis is severe, you might need to speak with a doctor.
Pink eye has several potential causes, including allergens, irritants, chemicals, and foreign bodies in the eye. When pink eye results from one of these causes, the condition is not contagious, meaning it won't spread from person to person. But bacteria and viruses can also lead to pink eye, and these types are both contagious.
Viral pink eye causes
If you have a cold or upper respiratory infection, you could also develop viral pink eye, but that isn't always the case. Several viruses can lead to conjunctivitis, such as:
Adenoviruses cause up to 90% of viral conjunctivitis cases. You can get a virus that causes pink eye through airborne transmission, by coming into direct contact with the virus, or by swimming in pools or other bodies of water that contain the virus.
Bacterial pink eye causes
You can get bacterial pink eye through hand-to-eye contact or by spreading respiratory droplets from person to person. Some of the more common types of bacteria to cause pink eye are:
The most common bacterial causes are a bit different between adults and children. Most cases of bacterial conjunctivitis in adults are from the Staphylococcus family of bacteria, while for children it's most commonly Haemophilus influenzae.
There are some common symptoms that both viral and bacterial pink eye share. There are also additional symptoms unique to each cause.
Common symptoms of viral and bacterial pink eye include:
the whites of the eyes appearing red or pink swelling of the eyelids crusty eyelids or eyelashes tearing or watering of the eyes discharge from the eye itchiness or burning of the eye eye irritation feeling like something is in your eye discomfort with contact lenses or ill-fitting lenses Additional symptoms include the following:
Viral conjunctivitis usually causes watery discharge and starts in one eye and moves to the other eye. Bacterial conjunctivitis usually causes a thick discharge of pus. If you have a bacterial form of pink eye, your eyelids might stick together due to the discharge.
Bacterial pink eye sometimes develops when you get an ear infection. Viral pink eye can occur when you're dealing with another illness caused by a virus, such as a cold, flu, or upper respiratory tract infection.
If you've been in close contact with a person who has conjunctivitis, you're more likely to get it, whether their infection was viral or bacterial.
Most cases of bacterial pink eye are from bacteria that's already on your skin or in your respiratory system. Some actions can increase the risk of bacterial conjunctivitis, such as:
not washing hands before touching the eyes using contaminated eye makeup or face creams sharing makeup not cleaning contact lenses before wearing them Risk factors for viral pink eye include:
being around someone who coughs or sneezes while having a respiratory infection You don't always have to consult a doctor for pink eye. Both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis should get better on their own. If pink eye is severe, you should consider speaking with a doctor.
According to the National Eye Institute, viral pink eye can take up to 3 weeks to completely clear up, but it usually resolves in a week or 2 without treatment. Bacterial pink eye usually gets better within 2 to 5 days, but it might take more than 2 weeks to go away without treatment.
A doctor might prescribe antibiotics to treat bacterial pink eye, but it isn't always necessary. Antibiotics can make the infection clear up more quickly.
Home treatment
Artificial tears, which are eye drops you can buy over the counter, can help relieve dryness. Keeping the artificial tears cold in the refrigerator can also be soothing. A cold compress placed over your eyes several times per day can help relieve the discomfort of swelling and reduce redness.
When to see a doctor
You should consider speaking with a doctor if you have signs of a severe infection or if you have certain medical conditions.
Symptoms of severe infection include:
moderate to severe eye pain vision changes such as blurriness light sensitivity intense redness in the eyes excessive mucus during the day or upon waking no symptom relief from artificial tears or cold compresses Medical conditions include:
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cancer (and its treatments) any other condition that weakens the immune system Although pink eye doesn't have any serious complications, it can spread easily between people. This can cause symptoms among all family members, roommates, and others if a person doesn't take preventive action.
An individual with pink eye should try to take steps to avoid spreading it. You can reduce transmission while you have the infection by:
frequently washing your hands not sharing makeup, towels, or linens throwing out eye cosmetics like mascara discarding tissues after use on your face or eyes practicing good contact lens hygiene
Which is worse, viral or bacterial pink eye?
Viral pink eye can last longer than bacterial pink eye. However, bacterial pink eye can cause thicker discharge from the eyes, which might make your eyelids stick together.
How long is pink eye contagious for?
Both types of pink eye are contagious as long as there is discharge from the eye or an excessive amount of tears.
Is it OK to leave pink eye untreated?
Pink eye usually resolves on its own without treatment within a week or 2. However, it's a good idea to speak with a doctor if you have severe symptoms or live with a weakened immune system.
Bacterial and viral pink eye are highly contagious eye infections. You can limit the spread by washing your hands frequently and not sharing makeup, towels, or linens.
Conjunctivitis usually gets better on its own, but a doctor might prescribe antibiotics in some cases of bacterial pink eye. You can soothe symptoms with artificial tears and cool compresses.
3 Apes Die From Contagious Bacterial Infection Within Days Of Each Other At Jacksonville Zoo
CNN —
Three apes at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens died over the past week due to a highly infectious bacterial infection, according to the zoo.
Bulera, a 35-year-old female lowland gorilla died due to shigellosis – a highly contagious bacterial infection that causes gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, cramping, vomiting and dehydration, the zoo announced in a post on social media on August 22.
Two brother bonobos, Jumanji and Jenga, later died from the infection, the Jacksonville, Florida, zoo said on Monday.
The source of the infection is unknown, but the zoo said it could have come from an asymptomatic ape who began to shed bacteria for an unknown reason. "It's also possible that the bacteria came from an asymptomatic staff member, but this is highly unlikely," the zoo said.
Shigella is typically spread among primates through feces, food and water. It can also impact humans, who can experience similar symptoms that typically go away on their own without antibiotic treatment, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
There is no danger to zoo guests, Tracy Fenn, curator of mammals at the Jacksonville Zoo, said during a news conference.
It is with profound heartbreak that we announce the unexpected passing of Bulera, a 35-year-old female western lowland...
Posted by Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens on Thursday, August 22, 2024
All three animals had existing heart conditions, making them more susceptible to the infection spreading among the primates at the zoo, according to Fenn.
Born in 1989 at the Lincoln Park Zoo, Bulera joined the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens in 2009 with her daughter Madini. Bulera had a son in 2015 and became a foster mother to a gorilla infant whose biological mother couldn't raise her, the zoo said.
Jumanji, who was born at San Diego Zoo Safari Park moved to Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens in 2008. Described as a "sweet and gentle soul," Jumanji supported his younger brother Jenga after their mother passed away in 2018.
Indigenous to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, bonobos are similar to chimpanzees, but have a smaller frame, shorter clavicle and smaller molars. The female bonobo is the head of the pack and male bonobos remain with their mothers for life relying on them for protection and social status, the zoo noted.
Jenga, the first bonobo birth witnessed by Animal Care Specialists at the facility, was a goofball who was always causing mischief, the zoo said.
"Our hearts are heavy as navigate this difficult time and we are feeling the weight of grief as we continue to care for the rest of our animals," Zoo CEO and President Jeff Ettling said on Wednesday.
Shigellosis can be much more serious in apes since it can be harder for them to fight off the bacteria, the zoo said.
Some of the other 18 apes in the Primate Forest have symptoms like those shown by Bulera, Jumanji and Jenga and are in different stages of treatment and recovery. They are being kept away from those not showing symptoms, added Fenn.
Treatment includes giving the animals fluids, antibiotics and electrolytes. Some may require IV treatment under sedation, she said.
There is no threat to zoo visitors and the zoo is a safe place to visit, officials said.
A fund for public donations has been established by the facility as they continue to care for the infected animals.
What Is Folliculitis? Doctors Break Down The Common Skin Condition
If you've noticed small red bumps around your scalp or anywhere that hair grows, no need to sound the panic alarm just yet. You might be dealing with folliculitis, a very common infection of the hair follicle that can be caused by a variety of reasons (we'll get to them later). While some people experience itchy, sore, or even painful bumps, others might not notice the inflammation for some time. It really just depends on the person.
We asked two board-certified dermatologists to explain folliculitis, its causes, whether it's contagious, and, most importantly, how to treat it. Keep reading to find out.
Experts Featured in This Article
Lauren Penzi, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Long Island, NY.
Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD, is a double board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College.
What Is Folliculitis?
According to board-certified dermatologist Lauren Penzi, MD, folliculitis is a common, generally benign skin condition in which the hair follicle becomes infected or inflamed, forming a pustule or erythematous papule on the overlying hair-covered skin. In even simpler terms, folliculitis refers to inflammation of the hair follicles, causing the appearance of acne-like bumps.
What Causes Folliculitis?
Per Brendan Camp, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist, folliculitis can be sterile, meaning that no microorganism is responsible for its formation. Instead, he explains it might be caused by blocked pores from oil, dead skin cells, or product residue. Friction can also contribute to the formation of folliculitis. Dr. Penzi adds that the most common cause is bacteria, but other common culprits include yeast and fungus (known as pityrosporum folliculitis), viruses (herpes, molluscum), and demodex (a type of mite normally present in the pilonidal sebaceous area of the skin). "Bacterial exposure from contaminated gym equipment, hot tubs, or close physical contact with others that have bacterial skin infections can be sources of infection," Dr. Camp says.
Folliculitis Symptoms
According to Dr. Penzi, folliculitis can be asymptomatic or symptomatic, but the most common symptoms include itching, burning, and pain or tenderness at the site of the infection. If you're analyzing your body, Dr. Camp says that folliculitis can manifest as pink or red acne-like bumps on the skin. Some cases may even appear as small pustules.
What's the Link Between Hot Tubs and Folliculitis?
If you spend a lot of time après-ski, be on alert since hot tubs are a common culprit when it comes to folliculitis. Dr. Penzi explains that hot tubs can cause what is known as gram-negative bacterial folliculitis, or "hot tub folliculitis." She adds, "This condition results from the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It typically arises after exposure to contaminated water from either an improperly treated swimming pool or hot tub," she says.
Can You Contract Folliculitis After Waxing?
Another frequent offender is waxing. "Waxing pulls the hair from the roots, causing trauma to the follicles and making them more susceptible to pathogens. Bacteria from the skin or waxing tools can then enter the hair follicle and cause folliculitis," Dr. Penzi says. One way to prevent this is to ensure that the skin is thoroughly cleansed prior to waxing and to protect the integrity of the skin barrier after waxing by using a moisturizer. "If skin tears occur as a result of waxing, protect it with ointment-based moisturizers or antibacterial ointments," he adds.
Is Folliculitis Contagious?
Generally, no. Especially when it comes to common cases caused by superficial bacteria. However, Dr. Penzi says there are exceptions for some specific cases, like those caused by staph, the herpes virus, fungi, and pseudomonas, which can spread by contact. It can also spread if bacteria are transmitted through close personal contact or shared personal care products, adds Dr. Camp.
Folliculitis Treatments
If you're wondering how to treat folliculitis, Dr. Camp says it may go away on its own. "Folliculitis that does not resolve on its own or worsens can be treated with antibacterial and acne cleansers, topical antibacterial prescriptions, oral antibiotics, and topical corticosteroids," he says.
Each type of folliculitis requires a different treatment approach. According to Dr. Penzi, bacterial folliculitis is typically treated with topical or oral antibiotics. For gram-negative folliculitis, which is caused by Pseudomonas, certain antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin are used. Pityrosporum folliculitis, caused by yeast, is treated with topical or oral antifungals. Viral folliculitis requires oral antivirals for herpes, such as valacyclovir, and cryotherapy for molluscum contagiosum. Finally, demodex folliculitis, caused by mites, is treated with anti-parasitics like permethrin cream or oral ivermectin. It's also helpful to prevent it by ensuring gym equipment is cleaned between users, pool chemicals are monitored regularly, and avoiding the sharing of personal care tools.
While folliculitis is completely normal, identifying it can take some know-how. It's always a good idea to take precautions against bacterial exposure from sources like hot tubs and gym equipment, but if you suspect you have folliculitis, it's important to see a dermatologist right away. They can determine the right treatment for you since folliculitis typically doesn't resolve on its own.
Iman Balagam is a freelance journalist and brand consultant who specializes in beauty, fashion, and lifestyle content. The Texas native's work has appeared in a variety of publications, including Vogue, Allure, and Elle.
Comments
Post a Comment