What Is Pinkeye?

by Alaska Medical Clinics, LLC

As a parent of a 1-year- old in preschool, one of our patients came in to Wasilla Medical Clinic for help. “My baby was sent home from preschool because they said he has pinkeye. What do I do?” Since we see many children with pink eye, we thought we’d share our answers with our readers.

If your child has redness in the eyes, often with itchiness or irritation, she might have pinkeye, or conjunctivitis. Eyes might also be watery or have a thick, yellowish discharge, which can cause crusting on your child’s eyelids.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with antibiotics, usually given as either eyedrops or as an ointment. Be sure to give these drops for as long as your doctor says, even if the symptoms clear up before the end of treatment. You can use a clean cotton ball soaked in warm water to gently wipe yellowish discharge from eyelids. Ask your doctor when your child can return to school; usually the symptoms will clear up in 24 hours with proper treatment.

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