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If you or your child has pink eye, you may be tempted to rush to the doctor right away. But you might not have to.

The symptoms of pink eye can be bothersome, but many times they don't require prescription medicine. You can ease your symptoms with over-the-counter or home remedies. (Photo credit: iStock/Getty Images)

Allergies, viruses, and bacteria can cause pink eye, also called conjunctivitis. It makes one or both of your eyes red and itchy. The affected eye will drain a lot or have a white or yellowish discharge. 

Does pink eye go away on its own?

Sometimes the symptoms of pink eye go away without medical treatment. You can use home remedies to feel better in the meantime.

How long does pink eye last?

The symptoms of pink eye may last a week or 10 days, maybe longer. 

Conjunctivitis Self-Care

There are some simple steps you can take to feel better, no matter what’s causing your pink eye.

Conjunctivitis Medication

Over-the-counter pink eye medication

You may be able to use an over-the-counter medicine like artificial tears or antihistamines to treat your pink eye. It depends on what's causing the infection. Here's how OTC pink eye medications work:

Antibiotic eye drops for conjunctivitis

If you have a serious infection, your doctor could prescribe antibiotic eye drops or steroids.

 

Viral Pink Eye Treatment

Pink eye caused by a virus might start in one eye and spread to the other. It will usually go away on its own in a week or two. Your doctor can give you medication to treat more serious viruses like herpes simplex or varicella zoster.

Bacterial Pink Eye Treatment

You’ll probably have more mucus or pus if bacteria cause your pink eye. Your doctor can prescribe antibiotics, usually eye drops. Mild cases may get better on their own in a few days.

If mucus is making your eyelids stick together, use a warm washcloth to loosen them.

Allergic Pink Eye Treatment

Pink eye caused by an allergy usually gets better after you limit contact with the allergen. Your doctor can give you tests to identify the problem.

Allergic pink eye isn’t contagious. You can go to work or school without worrying about giving it to someone else.

Wash clothes and pillowcases often. It might also help to shower or bathe before bed.

Ask your doctor about medicines that might help. They can recommend over-the-counter or prescription drugs including:

Chemical Conjunctivitis Treatment

If you've had a chemical injury, it's important to first flush your eye with lots of water, then see a doctor. They'll probably suggest you continue to flush your eye with saline and may prescribe topical steroids.

Pink Eye Treatment Caused by STIs

Pink eye caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI) doesn't happen very often, but it can be serious. A virus or bacteria also causes this type of pink eye, so you'll treat it the same way, with antibiotics or antiviral medicines. 

If you have an STI when you're pregnant, your newborn can get pink eye during delivery, which may cause vision loss. Most hospitals in the U.S. give newborns an antibiotic eye ointment to help avoid infection.

Pink Eye Treatment for Kids

Kids can have a tough time using eye drops multiple times a day. If that's the case with your child, talk to your doctor about antibiotic ointment. You'll apply it in a thin layer at the point where your child's eyelids meet. It will then dissolve into their eye.

When to See a Doctor

Red or swollen eyes could also be caused by a stye -- which often looks like a pimple or red area on your eyelid -- or some other kind of inflammation.

It also could be a different type of allergic reaction. If your eye isn’t better after you try home remedies for a few days, call your doctor.

You also should check with your doctor if you have:

Fever

Pain

Changes in vision

 

Pink Eye Prevention

If pink eye has invaded your home, take steps to help keep it from spreading to everyone else. The two most important things for everyone in your household to remember are:

Wash your hands often.

Try not to touch your eyes.

It’s also helpful to change towels and pillowcases often and wash them in hot water. Never share towels or pillows with someone who has pink eye.

Takeaways

Allergies, viruses, or bacteria can cause pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, resulting in red, itchy eyes with discharge. You can often manage treatment at home with simple remedies like using cool compresses or lubricating eye drops. While viral pink eye typically gets better on its own, while bacterial cases may need antibiotics. 

If your symptoms continue or get worse, especially with other symptoms like fever or vision changes, see a doctor. To avoid pink eye, wash your hands, avoid touching your eyes, and don't share towels or pillows with people who have the infection.