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Parent guide

Conjunctivitis / Pink Eye in Children

A practical parent guide to red eyes, discharge, hygiene, spread prevention, school guidance, and warning signs.

Parent Guide Published
Often mild Hand hygiene helps Eye drops are not always needed Review vision changes
Indian child with mildly red conjunctiva being gently checked by a clinician with parent present

Dr. Murali Gopal

Senior Paediatrician & Paediatric Pulmonologist
MCR: 57489
MBBS, DCH(UK), MRCPCH(UK), FRCPCH(UK), CCT Paediatrics (UK), Fellow in Paediatric Pulmonology (Aus), Allergology (Ind)
Last reviewed: 28 May 2026

Most children with mild pink eye recover well. Conjunctivitis is common. Some types spread easily, so gentle cleaning and good hand hygiene are important while watching for warning signs.

What is it?

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin lining over the white part of the eye and inside the eyelids. It can make the eye look red or pink and may cause watering or sticky discharge.

It may be viral, bacterial, allergic, or irritant related. A doctor can decide whether treatment is needed after checking the child and the eye.

Symptoms and signs

  • Red or pink-looking eye.
  • Watery eyes, sticky discharge, or crusting after sleep.
  • Mild eyelid swelling, itch, gritty feeling, or irritation.
  • One or both eyes may be affected.
  • Allergic conjunctivitis often causes more itching and may come with sneezing or allergy symptoms.

Common causes and spread

  • Viral conjunctivitis can occur with cold symptoms and can spread easily.
  • Bacterial conjunctivitis may cause more sticky discharge.
  • Allergy, dust, smoke, swimming pool irritation, or other triggers can cause non-infectious redness.
  • Infectious conjunctivitis spreads through hands, discharge, towels, pillows, and close contact.

Home management

  • Wash hands often, especially before and after cleaning the eye.
  • Avoid touching or rubbing the eyes where possible.
  • Gently clean discharge with clean cotton and water, using a fresh piece each time.
  • Do not share towels, pillows, eye makeup, face cloths, or handkerchiefs.
  • Avoid contact lenses until medically cleared.
  • Antibiotic eye drops are not always required; the doctor decides after assessment.

What to avoid

  • Do not use leftover eye drops from a previous illness.
  • Do not use steroid eye drops unless prescribed by an eye specialist or doctor.
  • Do not put traditional, herbal, household, or unverified substances into the eye.
  • Do not continue contact lenses while the eye is red or uncomfortable unless a doctor has cleared it.

School and daycare guidance

Follow local school or daycare policy. Keep your child home if unwell, unable to manage discharge or hygiene, or if advised by the doctor or school. Good hand hygiene and avoiding shared towels are especially important.

Important facts

  • Not every red or sticky eye needs antibiotic drops.
  • Eye pain, light sensitivity, or reduced vision is not simple conjunctivitis until checked.
  • Infectious conjunctivitis can spread easily, so handwashing matters.
  • Traditional or unverified eye remedies can irritate or harm the eye.

Red flags / when to seek medical care

Seek medical care promptly if your child has red eye with any of these signs:
  • Eye pain more than mild irritation, light sensitivity, blurred vision, or reduced vision.
  • Eye injury, chemical exposure, severe swelling around the eye, or rash or blisters around the eye.
  • Baby or newborn with eye discharge.
  • Contact lens wearer with red or painful eye.
  • Severe headache or vomiting with red eye.
  • Symptoms are worsening, not improving, your child seems unwell, or you are worried.

Medical disclaimer

General education only This guide is parent education only and does not replace medical consultation, eye examination, diagnosis, treatment selection, school advice, or individualized advice from a qualified healthcare professional. It does not provide eye-drop names or doses, and steroid drops should only be used when specifically prescribed.

References

  1. RCH Kids Health Info. Conjunctivitis. Accessed 21 May 2026.
  2. NHS. Conjunctivitis guidance. Accessed 21 May 2026.
  3. American Academy of Pediatrics HealthyChildren. Pink eye guidance. Accessed 21 May 2026.
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Conjunctivitis information. Accessed 21 May 2026.

Last reviewed: 28 May 2026. Status: published, clinician reviewed.

Medical review and references

Reviewed byDr. Murali Gopal

Last reviewed2026-05-28

Medical review statusClinician reviewed

ReferencesRCH Kids Health Info: Conjunctivitis; NHS conjunctivitis guidance; American Academy of Pediatrics HealthyChildren pink eye guidance; CDC conjunctivitis information

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This parent guide is for general education only and does not replace consultation with your child’s paediatrician. Please seek medical care urgently if your child appears seriously unwell, has breathing difficulty, poor feeding, dehydration, altered responsiveness, or if you are worried.

© Dr. Murali Gopal | For Patient Education Only This educational material is intended for parent and patient education. Reproduction, redistribution, or modification without permission is not allowed.