conjunctivitis (pink eye)
by william samuels·
conjunctivitis is inflammation of the thin membrane covering the white of the eye and inner eyelids. it can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergies. bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are very common in children and usually clear up without treatment.
contagious
yes
incubation
1–3 days (bacterial), 1–12 days (viral)
contagious for
while eyes are red and producing discharge
exclusion
exclude until discharge has stopped (or 24 hours after starting antibiotics)
symptoms
- •red or pink eye (one or both)
- •watery or sticky discharge
- •crusting around the eyelids, especially after sleep
- •itchy or gritty feeling in the eye
- •swollen eyelids
- •sensitivity to light
when to see a doctor
see your GP or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) if:
- •your child is a newborn (under 28 days) — this needs urgent assessment
- •pain in the eye (not just irritation)
- •sensitivity to light
- •vision changes or blurred vision
- •symptoms not improving after 2 days
- •thick yellow or green discharge
- •your child wears contact lenses
in an emergency, call 000.
home treatment
- •clean eyes gently with cotton wool soaked in cooled boiled water (one piece per eye)
- •wipe from the inner corner to the outer corner
- •use separate towels and washcloths for the infected child
- •wash hands frequently — especially after touching eyes
- •do not share eye drops between children
- •bacterial conjunctivitis may need antibiotic eye drops from your GP
this guide is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. if you are concerned about your child, see your GP, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84), or in an emergency call 000.