Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is an eye condition caused by infection or allergies. It usually gets better in a couple of weeks without treatment.
Conjunctivitis is also known as red or pink eye.
It usually affects both eyes and makes them:
- bloodshot
- burn or feel gritty
- produce pus that sticks to lashes
- itch
- water
If you're not sure it's conjunctivitis
Other conditions can cause red eyes.
There are things you can do to help ease your symptoms.
Use clean cotton wool (1 piece for each eye). Boil water and then let it cool down before you:
- gently rub your eyelashes to clean off crusts
- hold a cold flannel on your eyes for a few minutes to cool them down
Do not wear contact lenses until your eyes are better.
Do
wash hands regularly with warm soapy water
wash pillows and face cloths in hot water and detergent
Don't
do not share towels and pillows
do not rub your eyes
Staying away from work or school
You do not need to avoid work or school unless you or your child are feeling very unwell.
A pharmacist can help with conjunctivitis
Speak to a pharmacist about conjunctivitis. They can give you advice and suggest eyedrops or antihistamines to help with your symptoms.
If you need treatment for a child under 2, you'll need a prescription from a GP.
Treatment will depend on the cause of your conjunctivitis.
If it's a bacterial infection you might be prescribed antibiotics. But these will not work if it's caused by a virus (viral conjunctivitis) or an allergy.
Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause conjunctivitis. This type takes longer to clear up.