Can breast milk cure eye infection in babies?

Can Breast Milk Cure Eye Infections in Babies?
The use of breast milk as a remedy for eye infections in infants has garnered attention among parents and caregivers, often stemming from the belief in its natural healing properties. However, the efficacy of breast milk in treating such conditions is nuanced and warrants careful consideration.
Understanding Eye Infections in Infants
Eye infections in babies, particularly conjunctivitis (commonly known as pink eye), can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergens. Symptoms often include redness, swelling, and discharge from the eye. While many cases of conjunctivitis resolve on their own, some may require medical intervention, especially if they are bacterial in nature.
The Role of Breast Milk
Breast milk is rich in antibodies and has been shown to possess some antimicrobial properties. Some studies suggest that applying breast milk to the eye can be beneficial for infants with eye discharge. For instance, research indicates that breast milk can be as effective as traditional saline solutions in treating eye discharge in infants under six months old. This suggests that while breast milk may not eradicate the infection, it could help alleviate symptoms and support the healing process.
However, it is crucial to note that breast milk is not a panacea. Experts caution that while it may suppress symptoms, it does not eliminate all bacteria associated with eye infections. Therefore, relying solely on breast milk without seeking proper medical advice could lead to complications, including potential long-term damage to the eye if the infection is not adequately treated.
Medical Recommendations
Health professionals generally recommend that parents consult a pediatrician if they suspect their baby has an eye infection. While breast milk can be used as a supplementary treatment, it should not replace conventional medical care. In cases of bacterial conjunctivitis, antibiotics may be necessary to fully resolve the infection.
Moreover, the application of breast milk should be done with caution. It is essential to ensure that the milk is fresh and that proper hygiene practices are followed to avoid introducing additional bacteria into the eye.
Conclusion
In summary, while breast milk may offer some benefits for infants suffering from eye infections, it is not a definitive cure. Its use should be considered as part of a broader treatment strategy that includes consultation with healthcare professionals. Parents are encouraged to monitor their child’s symptoms closely and seek medical advice to ensure the best outcomes for their little ones.

How to flush a baby’s eye?

Use fingers to separate your child’s eyelids. Then flush the eye with water from a faucet or clean container. Get emergency medical care right away. Cover your child’s eye.

How do you get rid of an eye infection in a baby?

A cool compress (like a washcloth with cool water) may help with swelling and puffiness. Your baby’s doctor may also recommend using a saline (salt) solution to help rinse out your baby’s eyes. If your newborn has pink eye caused by bacteria, the doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic.

Does milk help with eye infections?

Can I use breast milk for pink eye? Breastmilk could be more harmful than helpful for pink eye. One of the few studies on whether breast milk can fight infections found that it didn’t cure the most common causes of pink eye — and worse, breastmilk can introduce new bacteria into the eye and cause serious infection.

Does breast milk help baby eye infection?

For actual bacterial pink eye, what evidence there is shows that mother’s milk is unlikely to be effective for the bacteria that cause this infection. And certainly, in a newborn, genuine pink eyes need to be evaluated by a physician–don’t fool around with home treatments with mother’s milk or anything else.

Is breast milk antibacterial?

Laboratory and clinical studies have supported that human breast milk is able to decrease bacterial-related diarrhea 9, urinary tract infection 10,11, and many other diseases associated with bacterial infection 12.

How to treat baby gunky eye?

Treatment

1. Wash your hands.
2. Wet a sterile cotton ball with saline solution.
3. Gently wipe your baby’s eye from the inside corner to the outside corner. Use a new cotton ball for each wipe.
4. Dry the eye using a different cotton ball, wiping from the inside corner out.
5. Wash your hands.

What is the fastest way to cure an eye infection?

The quickest and the fastest way to cure an eye infection depends on the kind and severity of the infection. Treatments like antibiotic eye drops, ointments or antiviral medications may be prescribed by the healthcare specialist to have your infection cured quickly.

Can breastmilk fight infection?

Breastmilk has many disease-fighting factors. They help prevent mild to severe infections and hospitalization. Breastfed babies have far fewer digestive, lung, and ear infections.

Is breast milk good for baby eyes?

A 2021 study found that breast milk was no less effective at treating eye discharge in infants than sodium azulene sulfonate hydrate 0.02% ophthalmic solution (OS). They recommend using breast milk as eye drops for babies up to 6 months of age.

How do you clear a baby’s gunky eye?

Treatment

1. Wash your hands.
2. Wet a sterile cotton ball with saline solution.
3. Gently wipe your baby’s eye from the inside corner to the outside corner. Use a new cotton ball for each wipe.
4. Dry the eye using a different cotton ball, wiping from the inside corner out.
5. Wash your hands.