Pink eye (conjunctivitis)

Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is a viral or bacterial infection of the white of your child's eye. Pink eye may follow a cold or other illness such as bronchitis.

Symptoms of pink eye include eyes that are:

• red/pink in the white of the eye
• itchy
• watery
• gritty feeling (feels like sand under the eyelid)
• crusty in the morning (eyelid may be shut).

Pink eye spreads easily. Make sure your child washes her hands often to prevent spreading the germs. You may want to put fresh pillowcases or fresh crib sheets on every morning. Tell your child not to rub her eyes.

How to treat pink eye

If your child has viral pink eye, antibiotics won't help. The symptoms should clear up in seven days.

If your child has bacterial pink eye, antibiotic eye drops will clear up the symptoms in a few days. Be sure to give your child the entire course of antibiotic.

How to keep from getting pink eye

Tell your child to not touch other kids who may have it. Have your child wash her hands often, especially when at day care or school. Teach your child to keep her hands away from the eyes, nose or mouth.