When You or Your Child Has Pinkeye

Pinkeye - What is it?

Pinkeye is another name for conjunctivitis. It is an irritation or infection that causes redness and swelling of the eye and eyelid.  Pinkeye is caused by allergies, viruses and bacteria.  Pinkeye caused by viruses and bacteria is very contagious and spreads from person to person very easily. Poor hand-washing is the most common reason for the spread of pinkeye.

Pinkeye is not an emergency, but you should call your primary care provider (PCP) if you or your child has any of these:

Signs and Symptoms of Pinkeye

• Red eyes
• Red, puffy eyelids
• Yellow or green crust around the eyes and eyelashes
• Eyelids stick together while sleeping
• Itchy, watery eyes
• A feeling that something is in the eye

What Should I Do at Home?

• Use medicine as ordered by your PCP.
• If pinkeye is caused by a virus, the eyes should feel better in 3 to 5 days. If pinkeye is caused by bacteria, the eyes should be treated for 7 to 10 days with antibiotic eye drops ordered by the PCP.  Do not attend day care, school, or work until the antibiotic eye drops have been used for 24 hours.  Do not let the eyedropper touch the eye or eyelid.
• Have everyone in the home wash their hands often.
• Do not rub the eyes.
• Use a cool washcloth to put over the eyes to help with itching. Use a different washcloth for each eye, and use a clean washcloth each time.
• Clean the eyes with a warm wet washcloth or cotton ball. Wipe from the inside of the eye (next to the nose) and out. Use a clean cotton ball or a clean part of the washcloth if you need to re-wipe.
• Put all washcloths in the laundry right away. Throw away cotton balls to prevent the pinkeye from spreading to other people.