Red, Itchy, and Contagious: Your Quick Guide to Pink Eye in Kids

Few things are more uncomfortable than an itchy, red, watery eye. For children, it can also mean missing school, activities, and playdates. Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is one of the most common conditions we see at PM Pediatric Urgent Care. The good news? While it’s unpleasant, most cases are mild, and with the right care, and a little prevention, your child can feel better quickly. 

Here’s what parents need to know about pink eye and how to reduce the chances of it spreading through your household. 

What Is Pink Eye? 

Pink eye is the common name for conjunctivitis, which happens when the clear tissue covering the white part of the eye (the conjunctiva) becomes inflamed. This inflammation makes the eye look red or pink and can cause itching, burning, or discharge. 

There are several types of conjunctivitis: 

• Viral conjunctivitis: Caused by a virus (often the same ones that trigger colds). It’s highly contagious and usually spreads quickly in schools or daycare. 

• Bacterial conjunctivitis: Caused by bacteria. This type often leads to thicker, yellow or green discharge and may require antibiotic eye drops. 

• Allergic conjunctivitis: Triggered by allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander. It isn’t contagious but can still be very uncomfortable.  Usually accompanied by other allergic symptoms. 

• Irritant conjunctivitis: Caused by things like chlorine in pools, smoke, or strong soaps. 

How Can You Tell If It’s Pink Eye? 

While every child may experience symptoms differently, the most common signs of pink eye include: 

• Redness in one or both eyes 

• Itchiness or a gritty feeling, like sand in the eye 

• Yellow/green discharge that may crust overnight, making the eyelids stick together (a clear discharge is more typical of allergic conjunctivitis) 

• Swelling of the eyelids 

• Sensitivity to light 

Why Does Pink Eye Spread So Easily? 

Children are especially prone to catching pink eye because of how easily germs spread in group settings. In schools, sports, and daycare, kids often share toys, touch common surfaces, and forget to wash their hands. If they rub their eyes after touching something contaminated, conjunctivitis can spread quickly. 

That’s why outbreaks of pink eye are so common during the school year. 

How Can Kids Avoid Pink Eye? 

The best defense against pink eye is prevention. Parents can help children build habits that protect their eyes and reduce the risk of infection. 

Here are some key steps: 

• Practice Handwashing: Frequent handwashing is the #1 way to prevent pink eye. Teach your child to wash with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching their face. 

• Avoid Touching Eyes: Kids naturally rub their eyes when they’re tired or itchy. Gently remind them to keep their hands away from their eyes unless they’ve just washed them. 

• Remind children not to share: 

• Towels or washcloths 

• Pillows or blankets 

• Eye drops or eye makeup (for teens) 

• Sports goggles, swim goggles, or face masks 

• Keep Surfaces Clean: Wipe down high-touch areas like doorknobs, remote controls, and tablets. This is especially helpful if someone in the family is already sick. 

• Manage Allergies: If your child suffers from seasonal allergies, keeping allergy symptoms under control can reduce eye irritation and the risk of allergic conjunctivitis. 

What to Do If Your Child Gets Pink Eye 

If your child develops symptoms of conjunctivitis: 

• Keep them home from school or daycare until a healthcare provider says it’s safe to return, especially if the cause is viral or bacterial. 

• Discourage rubbing or scratching their eyes, which makes irritation worse and spreads germs. 

• Use a clean, damp cloth to gently remove crust or discharge. Always use a new cloth each time. 

• Wash pillowcases, towels, and washcloths in hot water to prevent reinfection. 

• For bacterial conjunctivitis, replace make-up brushes, sponges, and make-up directly used around the eye, such as eyeliner 

• For bacterial conjunctivitis, your provider may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment. Viral conjunctivitis, on the other hand, usually goes away on its own within a week or two, though cool compresses and artificial tears can help with comfort.  Allergic conjunctivitis usually improves with antihistamine eye drops (e.g., ketotifen, olopatadine) 

At PM Pediatric Urgent Care, we offer same-day evaluation and treatment for pink eye both in office and through telemedicine. Our pediatric experts will examine your child, determine the cause, and provide guidance to help your child heal faster and avoid spreading it to others. 

Pink eye is common, uncomfortable, and unfortunately, highly contagious. The best way to protect your child is by reinforcing strong hygiene habits, avoiding the sharing of personal items, and keeping an eye (no pun intended!) on early symptoms. 

If your child does develop pink eye, remember that help is close by. PM Pediatric Urgent Care and PM Pediatric Telemedicine are open late seven days a week, so you can get expert pediatric care when you need it most.