Health Questions & Answers
Pinkeye

by Linda Shaw, MD

As parents, we often have questions about all kinds of health issues relating to our kids - from illness to prevention to child development. Come ask the experts what you want to know about pediatric health! A selection of answers to your questions will be posted on the site each week.

The question:
What is pinkeye, and how is it treated? - Cassie, Las Vegas

The Pediatrician Answers:
Pinkeye is actually conjunctivitis -- an inflammation of the lining of the eyelid. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergy. The eye lining appears pink or red; the eye is itchy or painful, and there may be a discharge.

If the inflammation is due to bacteria, antibiotic eyedrops are prescribed. For viral conjunctivitis, there is no specific treatment, but symptomatic relief can be obtained with some soothing eyedrops. For allergic conjunctivitis, there are several anti-allergy eyedrops.

The best way to avoid spreading viral or bacterial conjunctivitis is HANDWASHING. Conjunctivitis spreads rapidly by contact, so if someone with conjunctivitis rubs their eye and then touches someone else, it will spread. Children with conjunctivitis are generally excluded from daycare until treatment is underway.

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About the author: Linda Shaw is a general pediatrician with over 20 years of experience with a practice in Altoona, Pennsylvania. She is currently am one of the AAP's breastfeeding coordinators and a member of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. She also breastfed her four children, including twins. Dr Shaw enjoys teaching and explaining things to patients and their parents. Do you have a question about children's health? Click here to ask our experts!