How to Care for Pinkeye
Conjunctivitis, or pinkeye, is an inflammation of the membrane that lines your eyeball and eyelid. It can be caused by a foreign body, an allergic reaction or a bacterial or viral infection.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
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1
Determine if you have one or more of the following pinkeye symptoms: red, watery eyes; itching; sensitivity to light; or eye discharge that might be crusty around the eyelashes.
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2
Wash your hands before touching the eye area.
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3
Clean the eye area with a clean washcloth dampened with warm water.
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4
Use a cool compress to relieve itching.
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5
Wash any clothing, towels and bedding touched by the infected eye; bacterial and viral infections are very contagious.
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6
Avoid wearing contact lenses until the infection clears up.
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7
Note any yellow or greenish discharge from the eye. If this occurs or if only one eye is affected, it is more likely to be a bacterial infection than a viral infection or an allergy'consult your doctor for treatment.
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Tips & Warnings
There is no over-the-counter medicine specifically for pinkeye. If the problem is caused by bacteria, you'll need to see a doctor for treatment. Viruses need to run their course. If the pinkeye is caused by an allergy, get rid of the allergen or see your doctor for allergy relief.
