Treating conjunctivitis in your child will vary depending on whether its cause is bacterial, viral, or allergic.
- Bacterial conjunctivitis: Your G.P. will prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment which should be used for approximately one week. Use the full prescription of the eye drops, otherwise the infection may return. Bacterial conjunctivitis is extremely infectious and you should take great care to wash your hands before and after you care for your child. You should keep his clothes, towels, and bedding separate from everyone else’s. You should also put them in a separate wash. You should wash his eyes with warm water and cotton wool several times a day to help soothe the irritated eye.
- Viral conjunctivitis: The vast majority of viral conjunctivitis will clear up without treatment within five days. Your doctor will recommend keeping the area clean with warm water and rubbing away the discharge. If it hasn’t cleared up after a week or so, you should let your doctor know. Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious so as with bacterial infections, great care should be taken to ensure the spread of infection is kept to a minimum.
- Allergic conjunctivitis: Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by your child being exposed to an allergen so you will need to identify its source and keep her away from it. If your child’s eyes are making her uncomfortable, your doctor may prescribe eye drops or an antihistamine. A cool compress (a facecloth soaked in cold water) may also help alleviate the symptoms.
Learn more about complications relating to conjunctivitis
