Thick, yellow, and excessive eye discharge in children
Nov 19, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
Excessive, yellow, and sticky eye discharge in children may be caused by dietary factors, inadequate eye hygiene, conjunctivitis, dacryocystitis, or blepharitis. This can be improved through dietary adjustments, enhanced hygiene, and medical treatment. If symptoms are accompanied by eye pain, redness, swelling, or persist over time, prompt medical attention is necessary. Excessive consumption of spicy and hot-natured foods or insufficient water intake may contribute to the problem.
Excessive, yellow, and sticky eye discharge in children may be caused by dietary factors, inadequate eye hygiene, conjunctivitis, dacryocystitis, or blepharitis. Symptoms can be improved through dietary adjustments, enhanced cleaning, and medication. If symptoms persist or are accompanied by eye pain, redness, or swelling, prompt medical attention is recommended.
1. Dietary factors: Consuming excessive spicy or heat-inducing foods, or insufficient water intake, can lead to internal heat buildup, resulting in increased amounts of thick, yellow eye discharge. It is recommended to eat a light diet rich in fruits and vegetables, increase fluid intake, and avoid spicy or irritating foods.
2. Inadequate eye hygiene: Pollutants such as dust and sweat entering the eyes may promote bacterial growth, leading to increased, yellowish, and sticky discharge. Gently clean the eye area with a sterile cotton swab dipped in saline solution. Avoid rubbing the eyes and maintain good ocular hygiene.
3. Conjunctivitis: Bacterial infection of the conjunctiva causes inflammation, stimulating excessive production of thick yellow discharge, often accompanied by redness, swelling, and itching. Under medical guidance, medications such as tobramycin eye drops, erythromycin eye ointment, or levofloxacin eye drops may be used to relieve symptoms.
4. Dacryocystitis: Blockage of the tear duct allows bacterial growth and inflammation, causing pus from the lacrimal sac to drain out as thick yellow discharge. Pressing on the lacrimal sac area may result in pus exudation. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as chloramphenicol eye drops, cefaclor for oral suspension, or tobramycin eye ointment to alleviate discomfort.
5. Blepharitis: Bacterial infection at the eyelid margins causes inflammation, leading to redness, swelling, and itching of the eyelid edges, along with yellow, sticky discharge that adheres to the base of the eyelashes. Under medical supervision, treatment with erythromycin eye ointment, chlortetracycline hydrochloride eye ointment, or tobramycin eye drops can help improve symptoms.
Maintain clean and dry eyes by gently wiping secretions with clean cotton swabs. Avoid sharing towels or washbasins, maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, drink plenty of water, avoid prolonged eye strain, and take proactive steps to protect eye health.
