Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis):
A parent's guide to condition and treatment information
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| Viral conjunctivitis can cause redness and tearing of the eye. |
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Self-Care Guidelines
- Wash your child's hands frequently so as not to contaminate yourself or others and so your child will not reinfect himself/herself.
- Separate your child's towels, washcloths, and blankets from the rest of the household so that others will not be at risk.
- Cold compresses can sometimes help itching and swelling.
- Wash the child's eyelids very gently and soak off debris; do not pick at it.
- It can be difficult to get a child to stop rubbing his/her eyes. However, over-the-counter medications should not be used in children without seeing a medical provider.
- If your child's eyes have been exposed to debris or an irritant, thoroughly irrigate the eye(s) with water for about 10–15 minutes with the eyelids open. This will be difficult in younger children.
When to Seek Medical Care
You should take your child to his/her doctor if:- Discharge from the eye is worsening.
- There is severe pain or light sensitivity.
- Swelling is increasing.
- There are any problems with vision.
- There is difficulty or inability to move the eye around.
- There is blistering and/or rash on the eyelids.
- There has been any injury to the eye.
- The child has a prolonged scratching sensation.
- The condition is not getting better within a week.
- The child has a fever in addition to the pink eye.
Last Modified: 25 Aug 2008
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