Conjunctivitis is an eye condition caused by allergies or infections. Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid.
Conjunctivitis is an eye condition caused by allergies or infections. Treatment is not always needed as the condition will improve in a couple of days or up to several weeks.
Conjunctivitis is sometimes called pink or red eye. In most cases, it affects both eyes.
The eyes may be:
bloodshot
sticky, with a discharge of pus
itchy
watery
feeling gritty or burning
If the casualty is a baby with red eyes, seek medical assistance straight away.
Wash your hands with soap and water.
Boil some water and let it cool down. Use it to wet some gauze swabs.
If you don't have gauze, you can use a clean, non-fluffy cloth.
Use one gauze swab per eye. Gently wipe the eye from the inside outwards to clean it (from the point closest to the nose to the cheek).
Holding a clean, cold flannel or cold compress on your eyes for a few minutes will help to relieve irritation, any burning sensation, and allergies, such as hay fever.
Do not share towels, face cloths, or pillowcases to prevent conjunctivitis spreading. It is very infectious.
Seek medical attention if the condition is getting worse or the vision is affected at any time.
