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Crusting in baby's eye: blocked tear duct?

⚡ Short answer: Yellow crusting in one eye is usually a blocked tear duct; clean daily with sterilized water, wipe inside-out, and massage gently 2-3x daily; see doctor if redness, swelling, or fever develops.

Anonymous

3 aylık bebek annesi · Health

My baby's eye has yellow crusting, and it's sticky in the morning. Is this a blocked tear duct, what should I do?

Maiyko AI ADVISOR

The real reply from the in-app AI advisor

Yellow crusting in your baby's eye—if it's just one eye and you're not seeing redness—is likely a blocked tear duct, a common and harmless condition in young babies. By 3-4 months, these often clear on their own.

Here's what to do:

  • Dip a clean piece of cotton or soft cloth in boiled, cooled water. Wipe from the inner corner outward in one motion. Don't reuse the cotton.
  • 2-3 times daily, gently massage the inner corner (near the nose) downward with a clean finger for about 10 gentle pushes.
  • Crusting and stickiness are normal with this condition.

See a doctor if:

  • The eye's white part also turns red
  • The eyelid swells
  • Your baby has a fever
  • The discharge turns greenish or dark yellow

This is usually nothing serious, and if it doesn't clear in a few days or worsens, your pediatrician can check it out.

⚕️ Health note: This answer is for general information only; it is not medical advice. Every baby is different — for decisions about your baby's health, consult your pediatrician.

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