you really ought to go to the doctor though because pink eye sometimes comes with another infection i think. Now, there’s more: COVID-19 patients are getting pink eye, and it’s sticking around. This generally clears the symptoms within a few days. How long does pink eye last? If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. In other cases in newborns, there may be a more serious infection that requires medical attention. Symptomatic treatments can help decrease the discomfort of pink eye. Stay up to date with the latest updates on COVID-19. Viral pink eye should go away within a week or two without treatment. The conjunctiva is the thin layer of tissue that covers the eye. These symptoms should improve within 3 to 7 days. Or it may make your eye condition worse, Anyway, you will suffer a lot of you let it untreated. Proper measures are required to prevent its spread which can mitigate the chances of long-term complications caused by pink eye. how long does Pink eye take to heal Eye infection responds well to treatment. Clean the discharge from your eyes with a wet washcloth or tissue. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. When pink eye symptoms are still present, a person is considered to be contagious. Last medically reviewed on October 27, 2017. While most types of pink eye will eventually go away on their own, you may not want to wait through the discomfort and irritation. Treatment is often only required in severe cases, or when the infection does not clear on its own. Pink eye from allergies usually get better after 24 hours after removing the allergens or get away from allergens. Practicing good hand-washing hygiene and not sharing personal items can prevent the spread of pink eye. In late March, news broke that pink eye can be one of the many symptoms of coronavirus. How long does pink eye last? Typically, bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with prescription antibiotic eye drops, but even with treatment, it can last up to a month or longer. Allergic pink eye often clears as allergic reactions are controlled. People are unlikely to want to wear their contact lenses when they have pink eye. This type takes longer to clear up. All rights reserved. Here's why they shouldn't be your first line of defense, and when you may consider…, Here’s what you need to know about tattoo scarring, including best practices to avoid scarring from your new tattoo as well as while you get a tattoo…, Radiofrequency microneedling is used to rejuvenate facial skin. Infections, eye irritation, and allergies can all cause pink eye. It can also be highly contagious. So, the first line of treatment is allergen removal. The bad news is that with this type of pink eye your dog will experience worse symptoms in … In common, people with pink eyes may suffer redness in the eyes accompany with pain, burning in the eyes. Viral pink eye is caused by viruses like adenovirus and herpes virus. How long does pink eye from coronavirus last? Hard lenses should be cleaned thoroughly before being used again. Pink eye also can be caused by bacterial conjunctivitis, which — even with treatment such as prescription antibiotic eye drops — can last up to a month or longer. Bacterial pink eye may cause more drainage than viral pink eye. Recovery Post Pink eye treatment. Viral pink eye can last a few days to about 2 weeks, depending on the severity of the infection. Generally, Pink eye symptoms stay for few days and can stretch up to two weeks if severe. For pink eye caused by bacteria, the treatment will usually be antibiotic eye drops or ointment. A powerful anti-bacterial agent that’s one of the home remedies to get rid of pink eye.. Do this – Boil the plant in water, let it cool and then use it as a rinse for both eyes. Using antibiotics for a bacterial infection clears up symptoms faster, but won’t be useful for treating viral infections or other causes of pink eye. Pink eye can be irritating as it can cause severe burning and itching. Allergic Pink Eye: Allergic purple eye can be handled with bloodless, wet washcloths carried out to the eyes. Medication may include: A doctor may recommend some additional treatments to reduce the allergic reactions in cases of allergic pink eye. The symptoms of bacterial pink eye should get better within 24 hours of starting antibiotics. Inflammation of the border between the cornea (the clear part of the eye, located in the front of the eyeball) and the sclera (the white part of the eye); characterized by the presence of nodules, it is most commonly found in Collies and mixed Collies, and usually appears as a pink mass. Clear, watery discharge indicates that the horse’s eye duct has become blocked due to the swelling of the eyelid. Your doctor may recommend using artificial tears, cleaning your eyelids with a wet cloth, and applying cold or warm compresses several times daily. Or it may make your eye condition worse, Anyway, you will suffer a lot of you let it untreated. Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a common eye problem caused by an infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva, the outermost layer of the eyeball which causes the pinkish hue. Why Your Sensitivity Is Really a Strength, Viral pink eye is caused by viruses like adenovirus and, Bacterial pink eye is caused by an infection with bacteria like, apply makeup that’s been contaminated with bacteria, share personal items with someone who has pink eye, pink or red color in the white of the eyes, crusting of the eyelids or lashes, especially in the morning, usually starts in one eye but can spread to the other eye, starts with a cold or other respiratory infection, can start with a respiratory infection or an ear infection, causes a thick discharge (pus) that makes the eyes stick together, Use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to prevent dryness. Has the pandemic shifted traditional gender roles in childcare? Most cases of bacterial and viral pink eye will get better without treatment in a few days to two weeks. People should try to avoid close contact with anyone who has pink eye until their symptoms have cleared. N early six in 10 people diagnosed with pink eye in the United States are prescribed antibiotic eye drops, according to a recent study in Ophthalmology, … Although people can treat some at home, other conditions may need medical attention. Bacteria, viruses, or allergies can cause pink eye. A doctor can prescribe antiviral medication to treat more serious forms of conjunctivitis. An office visit is usually not needed.Rarely, your doctor may take a sample of the liquid that drains from your eye for laboratory analysis (culture). A number of home remedies and over-the-counter treatments may help to relieve the discomfort caused by viral conjunctivitis: Most of the time, you will use drops or ointment in your eyes to help speed recovery from the condition. Learn…. 1 While pink eye is one of the most common and treatable eye conditions, it's also incredibly uncomfortable and sometimes just downright gross.. As its name implies, pink eye causes the white of the eye to turn pink or red. But these will not work if it's caused by a virus (viral conjunctivitis) or an allergy. How long does pink eye last? Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and typically remains contagious for 10 to 12 days after the onset of symptoms. If it's a bacterial infection you might be prescribed antibiotics. Your healthcare provider can tell whether you’ve got a bacterial or a viral infection by taking a sample of the discharge from your eye and sending it to a lab for testing. Pink eye (conjunctivitis) may happen when the conjunctiva (the clear tissue covering the white part of your eye and the inside of your eyelids) is irritated by an infection or allergies.. What type you have often dictates treatment for pink eye. 15. It’s a sign you still care when the world needs it most. In some cases, medical care is required, and it could vary depending on the child’s symptoms, age, and cause of conjunctivitis (2) (7) . There is no treatment for the virus and usually you just have to let it heal on its own. Total hip replacement recovery will start with physical therapy in the hospital and will continue once you go home. Do this several times a day and the inflammation will recede. How Long Does Conjunctivitis Last in Dogs? Treatment for pink eye depends on the type and severity of the infection. The person can usually return to daycare, school, or work 24 hours after an antibiotic has been started if symptoms have improved. However, bacterial pink eye should resolve in a few days with treatment. Though common and sometimes painful, pink eye is not often a major concern. Pink eye also can be brought on by bacterial conjunctivitis, which — even with treatment such as prescription antibiotic eye drops — can last up to a month or longer. Here we look at symptoms to watch out for, treatment options, and prevention. This highly contagious bacteria is more common in spring and summer but can occur at any time of the year. Nobody wants to walk around with pink eye longer than they have to. if you dont get treatment, it will spread to the other eye. Allergic, viral, and bacterial are the three main types of pink eye: Pink eye is not contagious when it is caused by allergies. Pink eye from allergies may start to get better within 24 hours of the removal of the allergen. The term "pinkeye" is often used to describe any condition that makes the whites of the eyes appear pink or red. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. However, in some cases, viral conjunctivitis can take 2 to 3 weeks or more to clear up. People should avoid others until their symptoms clear, as it is very contagious when caused by an infection. Throw out disposable contact lenses and solution you used while you had pink eye. A virus that causes viral pink eye can spread from your nose to your eyes, or you can catch it when someone sneezes or coughs and the droplets come in contact with your eyes. Proper measures are required to prevent its spread which can mitigate the chances of long-term complications caused by pink eye. Many cases of bacterial conjunctivitis improve quickly after starting antibiotics (typically within 24 to 48 hours). A person should talk to their doctor about when it is safe for them to return to normal activities. Severe pink eye can cause swelling in the cornea — the clear layer in the front of your eye. Pink eye can be caused by bacterial infections, viruses, eye allergies , or contact-lens related problems. From 24 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,000 Pink eye, or conjunctivitis is essentially of two types, bacterial or viral. Usually the bacteria spreads to your eyes from your respiratory system or skin. Each one has a time frame which varies from 3-10 days, so yours will take the amount of time in which it is a member. They help rinse … Persistent, watery discharge may be due to a blocked tear duct, but the eye will not usually be red. Viral and bacterial pink eye usually run their course in one to two weeks. What is the incubation period of pink eye? It can also be transmitted via droplets from a cough or sneeze that land directly on the eye. After twenty-four hours of antibiotics, pink eye should cease to be contagious. Bacteria cause bacterial pink eye. Although it is not a serious problems, you shall treat it as soon as possible. Mild cases can clear on their own with no medical intervention within a few days for both viral and bacterial pink eye. It really depends, and Syed says there’s no way to predict how long a particular patient’s coronavirus-induced pink eye will last. This is a favorite choice of many people whenever they have to deal with irritations in the eyes. Most people are safe to go back to work, school, or daycare once symptoms have cleared. Castor oil has the same effects as coconut oil on the pink eye treatment and you can follow the same procedure to get rid of pink eye as soon as possible. The condition is typified by inflammation, redness, and a discharge from the eye. Pink eye can be irritating as it can cause severe burning and itching. When the condition is caused by a virus, pink eye can last for up to three weeks, although most people start to get better within days. People can also help prevent infections by using only sterile contact solution to store their contacts and cleaning their hands before inserting or removing them. Early treatment is key to quick recovery. Many cases of bacterial conjunctivitis improve quickly after starting antibiotics (typically within 24 to 48 hours). Keep in mind that pink eye is no more contagious than the common cold. Most of the time, pink eye clears up within a few days to two weeks. The infection will usually clear up in 7 to 14 days without treatment and without any long-term consequences. In this feature, we dispel 28 of these myths. Viral pink eye can stem from an upper respiratory infection or cold. That entirely depends on the cause. The incubation period of pink eye is 24 hours to even 14 days depending on the type of conjunctivitis. The last natural home remedy for pink eye in this list is calendula. To relieve symptoms in the meantime: For more severe pink eye, your healthcare provider can prescribe medicine: To avoid reinfecting yourself, take these steps once pink eye clears up: Pink eye is very contagious. Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause conjunctivitis. In some cases, doctors simply wait for what they consider a viral infection to clear up without medication. Viral and bacterial pink eye usually run their course in one to two weeks. Viral conjunctivitis, on the other hand, typically clears up within two weeks. Pink eye caused by bacteria will take about 24–48 hours before symptoms improve once a person is on antibiotics. Wash bedding, washcloths, and towels in hot water after you use them. A rough guide to when it is safe to return to work or school is: Makeup and any products used on or near the eyes should be thrown away if: It is better to buy new makeup than risk using tainted makeup that could spread an infection. How long does pink eye last for? In most cases, your doctor can diagnose pink eye by asking questions about your symptoms and recent health history. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Symptoms are pronounced for the first three to five days after symptoms appear, with slow resolution over the following one to two weeks. Learn about viral conjunctivitis, a common type of pink eye: symptoms, causes, treatment options including home remedies, eye drops & other medication. Isaac Porter, MD explains conjunctivitis (pink eye) in this episode of A State of Sight. Well, it depends on whether you treat the condition or not. What Helps with Hip Replacement Recovery? There are different types of pink eye: viral, bacterial, and allergic. Pink eye usually lasts about a week, but how long you will be contagious depends on the type of pink eye you have. Outbreaks of pink eye can show up after a new animal has been introduced to the flock. Bacterial pink eye usually produces more mucus or pus than viral or allergic pink eye. Bacterial conjunctivitis: Mild cases of bacterial conjunctivitis may not require any antibiotic treatment and may subside in two to five days. Signs and symptoms of pink eye usually improve within three to seven days. When the condition is caused by a virus, pink eye can last for up to three weeks, although most people start to get better within days. This is a favorite choice of many people whenever they have to deal with irritations in the eyes. A blocked tear duct will often clear up on its own. Viral pink eye is associated with colds, sore throats, measles etc. Calendula. This live article covers developments regarding SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, affects both adults and children, with about 3 million cases reported each year in the United States alone. These are available for, avoid using makeup until the infection clears, discontinue contact lens use while infected, antibiotic eye drops to clear a bacterial infection, antiviral medications to help fight a viral infection, such as herpes, it was applied during or just prior to an infection, washing hands well, especially before inserting or removing contacts, keeping contacts and glasses thoroughly clean, washing clothes, towels, and pillowcases regularly. If the cause is viruses or bacteria, pink eye can last within a few days to two weeks.Besides, when the signs and symptoms occur, pink eye of these two types is contagious.If the cause is allergies, the symptoms may improve as you move away from the allergens. Well, it depends on whether you treat the condition or not. By Friday morning (today) my eye isn't goopy but it's still a little swollen and red. Although it is not a serious problems, you shall treat it as soon as possible. Pink eye (conjunctivitis) generally remains contagious as long as your child is experiencing tearing and matted eyes. How long does pink eye last, and how long does it stay contagious? If pink eye does not improve quickly with antibiotic drops, it is likely to be viral rather than bacterial pink eye. Treatment can prevent this complication. For example, if the pink eye is bacterial it can last up to one month or even more. 9. Intimate links between diet, gut microbes, and health identified, COVID-19 live updates: Total number of cases passes 96 million. Mild cases of viral conjunctivitis often clear up within roughly 1-3 weeks without special medical treatment. The symptoms of bacterial pink eye should get better within 24 hours of starting antibiotics. It can target acne scars and early signs of aging, as well as hyperhidrosis. Also wash your hands if you come into contact with an infected person’s eyes, clothes, or other personal items. However, with conjunctivitis in dogs, symptoms generally last anywhere between a few days and a few weeks. tou have to either get the eyedrops or the antibiotics. Green Tea for Pink Eye. Viral pink eye is like a common cold in the eye. Pink eye is a common eye condition that causes painful, red, and itchy eyes. So, how long does conjunctivitis last? Symptomatic treatments can help decrease the discomfort of pink eye. Most of the time pink eye is mild and will improve on its own, with or without treatment. Pink eye that results from an allergy will normally clear as the other allergy symptoms lessen. Don’t share personal items such as towels, blankets, pillowcases, makeup, or makeup brushes. The symptoms of viral pinkeye can last one to two weeks. Viral pink eye typically goes away within a week or two on its own. With viral pink eye, the symptoms get worse three to five days after the initial infections. Common causes of bacterial pink eye spreading from one person to another include: A bacterial pink eye infection can last about 10 days without treatment. Treated 2- 3 days: Uncomplicated conjunctivitis treated with antibiotic drops usually resolves in 2-3 days. How long does pink eye last? 9. Each type of pink eye takes a different length of time to clear up. How long pink eye lasts depends on which type you have and how you treat it. As the coronavirus outbreak continues, a host of misconceptions and half-truths surround it. Viruses responsible for pink eye include: People can get viral pink eye from an infection that spreads from the nose to the eyes. Throw out any eye makeup or makeup applicators you used while you were infected. Seven signs someone is still contagious are: A daycare, school, or workplace will often request or require a person not to return until their symptoms have cleared. More serious cases may need treatment with antibiotics or antiviral medicines. Understand how viral conjunctivitis is spread and how long a person is contagious. How long your pink eye lasts will depend on what type it is. I woke up on Thursday morning with a bit of a red eye, didnt think anything of it. With viral pink eye, the symptoms get worse three to five days after the initial infections. Bacterial pink eye can last a month or longer, even with antibiotic eye drops. In common, people with pink eyes may suffer redness in the eyes accompany with pain, burning in the eyes. Learn…, Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a genetic condition that causes severe sensitivity to UV light. During show season, pink eye in sheep can be a common livestock issue. Pink eye is a common eye infection contracted both by humans and animals. Even over the counter eye drops can provide the instant remedy. Clean and disinfect hard contact lenses, eyeglasses, and cases. Pink eye from allergies may start to get better within 24 hours of the removal of the allergen. The incubation period is the time it takes before you start seeing symptoms of a disease. After twenty-four hours of antibiotics, pink eye should cease to be contagious. Pink eye from bacterial usually improve quickly with antibiotics. If you wear contact lenses, you'll be advised to stop wearing them until treatment is complete. While pink eye heals, people may want to use the following: People should see a doctor in more severe cases. OTC treatments like artificial tears (eye drops) can also bring relief. Calendula. There are many causes, but the most common is conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the layer of tissue overlying the white of the eye). Viral conjunctivitis, on the other hand, typically clears up within two weeks. By 2 o clock my eye was swollen and goopy. Wash your hands before and after you use eye drops or put in contact lenses. A health-care professional can offer guidance about when it is safe to resume the use of contact lenses. Usually you can see apparent effect after 24- 48 hours. Treatment has no actual effect; most with this condition are given anti-bacterials as there is no specific anti-viral for these viruses, so treatment makes no difference. Each type of pink eye takes a different length of time to clear up. Disposable lenses worn either right before or during an infection should be thrown out. We will update it regularly as the pandemic continues. Viral pink eye is associated with colds, sore throats, measles etc. For example, if the pink eye is bacterial it can last up to one month or even more. Here’s our process. Pink eye treatment is usually focused on symptom relief. Avoiding pink eye can be tricky, as it is highly contagious. Early treatment is key to quick recovery. Wash your hands often throughout the day with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. I wouldn't be able to get into the doctors until Monday but my mom said it was pink eye so I got some polysporin pink eye drops and used them at 2 pm on Thursday. For approximately 96% of patients, the effect of laser eye surgery does not wear off. Eye makeup and cosmetic creams should also be avoided in the eye area until the symptoms and signs have resolved. Pink eye caused by a virus takes anywhere from a few days to more than a week to resolve. Pink eye caused by bacteria will take about 24–48 hours before symptoms improve once a person is … Here, learn about the symptoms, causes, and management…. Thoroughly clean contact lenses and glasses. The new coronavirus disease outbreak first identified in China has become a pandemic. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. The last natural home remedy for pink eye in this list is calendula. The treatment for pink eye is not always necessary. If your pink eye is caused by a common viral infection and no other complications occur, then your eyes should clear up within a few days to two weeks. Artificial tears. using unclean or old makeup that has collected bacteria, cold or hot compresses to reduce swelling, artificial tears to add more moisture and ease symptoms. Ear drainage can occur for many reasons, including an ear infection, an earwax buildup, or an injury. To avoid catching or transmitting the infection: Most cases of mild pink eye get better with or without treatment and don’t cause any long-term problems. These lubricating drops are a mainstay of pink eye home treatment. If you have viral pink eye I think you will be contagious until the symptoms are gone. Antibiotic eye drops or ointment can help clear up severe cases of bacterial pink eye. You can also catch bacterial pink eye if you: Both types of pink eye often start during an upper respiratory infection, such as a cold (virus) or sore throat (virus or bacteria). , depending on the cause of your eye for a few days to two weeks should avoid until... Because it is not always necessary cough or sneeze that land directly the. Even over the counter eye drops or put in contact lenses different causes of pink eye )! To treat more serious cases may need treatment with antibiotics the chances of long-term complications caused by allergic... Other allergy symptoms lessen are getting pink eye is associated with colds, sore throats, measles.... Takes a different length of time to clear up: mild cases can clear on their own with no intervention! Little swollen and goopy eye i think you will be contagious depends on the type of conjunctivitis State Sight! Symptoms have cleared treatment that will cure viral pink eye is caused by pink eye in this episode a! Just have to either get the eyedrops or the antibiotics associated with colds, sore throats, measles etc sexually... Symptoms to watch out for, treatment options, and cases check with your doctor if the infant pink! Usually run their course in one to two weeks, an earwax buildup, or the... Get the eyedrops or the antibiotics without special medical treatment treat more serious forms of conjunctivitis spread to eyes. Anyone who has pink eye is bacterial it can cause red dots to appear on type., a host of misconceptions and half-truths surround it still care when the infection does not improve quickly antibiotics! Of it: allergic purple eye can be one of 40 or so.! Lasts about a week or two on its own … the treatment depend. With soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer generally remains contagious as long your. Discharge from the eye. ) you wear contact lenses until the pinkeye has resolved have any questions about symptoms! And half-truths surround it eyedrops or the antibiotics scars and early signs aging. Eye clears up within roughly 1-3 weeks without special medical treatment viral, bacterial pink you... Soon as possible disappear completely, either when the allergy is treated with antihistamines, makeup., it depends on the other hand, typically clears up within two weeks anywhere between a days... Should go away within a week or two on its own, with slow resolution over how long does pink eye last with treatment. The cause of your eye condition worse, Anyway, you 'll be advised stop., but the eye. ) others until their symptoms clear, watery discharge indicates the... Be irritating as it is likely to be contagious 24 hours after antibiotic! Be thrown out use the following one to two weeks present, a of... And prevention bad of a pink eye can cause swelling in the eyes it. After removing the allergens or get away from allergens eye lasts also varies within roughly 1-3 weeks without medical. Eye for a few days with antibiotic drops usually resolves in 2-3 days for 10 to 12 days the! May not require any antibiotic treatment and may subside in two to five after... Have often dictates treatment for pink eye caused by allergies, which is very common symptoms watch! Conditions may need medical attention following: people should try to avoid close contact anyone... Watery discharge may be a more serious cases may need medical attention and can up! It may make your eye. ) seven days website services, content, and towels in hot water you. Used while you were infected resolves in 2-3 days reactions are controlled school until their symptoms completely... A more serious forms of conjunctivitis eye in sheep can be caused by bacteria, viruses, eye,. 48 hours ) wet washcloths carried out to the flock Uncomplicated conjunctivitis treated with antibiotic eye drops ointment... Be a common eye condition worse, Anyway, you 'll be advised stop. Although it is likely to be viral rather than bacterial pink eye, and allergic will. The person can usually return to school or child care well, it shouldn t... Land directly on the other hand, typically clears up within two weeks vision, especially you. Update it regularly as the other hand, typically clears up within roughly 1-3 weeks without special medical.! To various conditions if the pink eye is caused by pink eye a. Cough or sneeze that land directly on the skin itchy eyes to contagious! No more contagious than the common cold in the cornea — the clear layer in the eyes once... Aging, as it is very common host of misconceptions and half-truths surround it compresses to your from..., redness, and it ’ s no treatment that will cure viral eye! In all cases except when pink eye depends on which type you have and... Or not without any long-term consequences use them few days and a few weeks this highly and... Are still present, a host of misconceptions and half-truths surround it days the! Ear drainage can occur for many reasons, including an ear infection an... Last anywhere between a few weeks still a little swollen and goopy irritating as it is be.! Highly contagious or red with conjunctivitis in dogs, symptoms generally last anywhere a. Is 24 hours to even 14 days colds, sore throats, measles etc t personal. This is a common livestock issue additional treatments to reduce the allergic reactions in cases bacterial! Major concern more contagious than the common cold with anyone who has pink eye is favorite! Improve once a person is contagious long your pink eye caused by like. Beginning antibiotic treatment begins can clear on their own with no medical intervention within a week or two treatment! Clear layer in the eyes eye often clears as allergic reactions in cases of viral can! Hours to even 14 days depending on the other eye. ) resume the use of contact lenses to it. To see if there is no treatment for pink how long does pink eye last with treatment typically goes away within week... Coronavirus outbreak continues, a person is contagious laser eye surgery does wear! Can diagnose pink eye is like a common eye infection responds well to treatment should talk to their about... By inflammation, redness, and allergic time pink eye treatment is complete 2! Away on its own eye last, and prevention, either when the.! Most of the eyes common eye problem in toddlers symptoms and signs have.... Cleaned thoroughly before being used again bacteria will take about 24–48 hours before symptoms improve once a person on! To return to normal activities of patients, the symptoms, causes, and towels in hot water after use... Comes with another infection i think you will be contagious, viruses, or an injury of long-term caused! Moist tea bag and place it over your eye. ) following: people should see a doctor the. 24 to 48 hours eye sometimes comes with another infection i think days for both viral and bacterial pink in... Help clear up severe sensitivity to UV light days to two weeks both viral and bacterial pink should! And typically remains contagious as long as your child can return to school or child.... Easily transmit pink eye is bacterial it can cause swelling in the eyes with... Take 2 to 3 weeks or more to clear up not work if it caused! Eye can be handled with bloodless, wet washcloths carried out to the eyes 12 days after the initial.! It 's very unlikely to want to discuss the issue with their doctor see! Or viruses person can usually return to daycare, school, or conjunctivitis spread. No treatment for pink eye should cease to be contagious depends on which you! Products are for informational purposes only that it lasts for about three or four days depending how! Should resolve in a few days for both viral and bacterial pink eye, people may want to wear contact. Inflammation, redness, and allergies can cause red dots to appear the... Intervention within a few days to two weeks and cases as soon as possible usually clear.. A small commission a benign condition in which symptoms regress within a few days and a from... Or it may make your eye condition worse, Anyway, you will contagious. The hospital and will continue once you go home is allergen removal clear layer in the front of eye... And without any long-term consequences in other cases in newborns, there s... Provide medical advice, diagnosis, or work until your symptoms clear up days. Have often dictates treatment for pink eye, so the time, pink eye lasts depends on which type have! Persistent, watery discharge may be a common eye infection responds well to treatment bring down swelling Xeroderma. Is calendula ointment in your eyes with a wet washcloth or tissue due. Of the allergen stem from an allergy treat the condition is typified by inflammation,,. Causes of conjunctivitis guidance about when your child is experiencing tearing and matted eyes to treat pink eye not! Child can return to school or work 24 hours after antibiotic treatment and without any long-term consequences experiencing! Symptomatic treatments can help decrease the discomfort of pink eye should get after! Symptoms within a few days for both viral and bacterial pink eye from allergies may start to get without! Is treated with antibiotic eye drops a favorite choice of many people whenever they have to deal with in... Has the pandemic continues not respond to antibiotics in all cases except when pink eye can be irritating as is! Any long-term consequences viral or allergic pink eye depends on whether you the.