Does My Child Have "Pinkeye"?

The conjunctiva is the tissue that lines the outside of the eyeball. Occasionally this lining can be simply irritated or it can become infected. This is called conjunctivitis or "pinkeye."

Conjunctivitis: Definitions

What are the symptoms and signs of conjunctivitis?

• Yellow discharge from the eyes
• Watery eyes
• Redness of the inside of upper or lower lid
• Redness of the white part of the eye (sclera)

What are the causes?

• Infections. There are 2 types of eye infections: viral infections, which accompany colds, and bacterial infections, which are a bit more worrisome and need to be treated with a prescription medicine. Viral infections usually cause watery, reddened eyes, and bacterial infections may cause a thick, yellow drainage that may lead to the eyelids sticking together.
• Irritants. Conjunctivitis also may be caused by such irritants as smoke or dirt getting in or around the eye.
• Allergies. Watery, red eyes also may result from allergies.

Is it contagious?

Conjunctivitis caused by a bacterial infection is often contagious. It is important for you to wash your child's face with a separate cloth and then to wash your hands well with soap and water.

How long does it last?

Conjunctivitis caused by a virus usually lasts a long as the cold lasts. Pinkeye caused by irritants usually goes away within 2 to 4 hours after washing away the irritant. Bacterial conjunctivitis usually looks much better a day or two after starting treatment.

Conjunctivitis: Treatment (What should I do?)

• For pinkeye from a virus, rinsing the eyes out frequently with warm water can sometimes prevent a bacterial infection. Wash your hands well, then, using a new cotton ball each time, wipe the eye with warm water from outside to inside. Do this every 3 to 4 hours, and remember to wash your hands afterward.
• For pinkeye from an irritant, wash the irritant off with lots of lukewarm water. Rinse your child's face as well as eyelids with the warm water.
• Your baby's doctor or nurse practitioner will give you special instructions on how to use medication in your child's eye, if needed.

Call your nurse practitioner or doctor right away if:

• A yellow, sticky drainage appears
• The eyelids become swollen
• There is increasing redness around the eyes
• Your child appears sick or irritable
• Your child is complaining of pain in the eyes
• Your child has a fever
• The symptoms last more than seven days
• Your child is less than one month old
• You have any other questions or concerns

Adapted from Healthy Steps. Edited and Compiled by the Center for Promotion of Child Development Through Primary Care 2011