Pink Eye: Causes, Treatments, and What You Need to Know

When your eye turns red, itches, or feels like there’s sand in it, you’re probably dealing with pink eye, a common inflammation of the thin membrane covering the white part of the eye and inner eyelid. Also known as conjunctivitis, it’s not usually serious—but it’s highly contagious and can spread fast in schools, gyms, or offices. You don’t need to panic, but you do need to know what you’re dealing with.

Pink eye isn’t one thing. It’s usually one of three types: viral conjunctivitis, often linked to colds or flu and spread by coughing or touching, bacterial conjunctivitis, which causes thick yellow or green discharge and needs antibiotics, or allergic conjunctivitis, triggered by pollen, dust, or pet dander and usually affects both eyes at once. The type determines the treatment—and most cases don’t need pills or drops at all. Viral pink eye runs its course in 7 to 10 days. Bacterial? It might need antibiotic eye drops. Allergic? Antihistamines or avoiding the trigger helps.

What doesn’t work? Antibiotics for viral cases. Steroid drops without a doctor’s order. Sharing towels, pillows, or makeup. And rubbing your eyes—yes, even if it itches. Wash your hands often. Use a clean cloth each time you wipe your eye. Don’t wear contacts until it’s fully gone. Kids with pink eye should stay home until the discharge stops, even if they feel fine. Schools and daycare centers see this all the time, and it’s not because of poor hygiene—it’s because viruses spread easily.

You might have heard that home remedies like breast milk, tea bags, or saltwater rinses help. Some people swear by them, but there’s little science to back them up. Cold compresses can ease swelling and discomfort. Artificial tears can flush out irritants. But if your vision gets blurry, your eye becomes extremely painful, or symptoms last more than two weeks, see a doctor. That’s not just pink eye anymore—it could be something deeper.

The posts here don’t promise miracle cures. They give you real, practical advice on managing eye infections, avoiding spread, understanding when to seek help, and what treatments actually make sense. You’ll find clear comparisons, step-by-step tips, and no marketing hype. Whether you’re a parent dealing with a child’s pink eye, a teacher noticing outbreaks in class, or just someone tired of red, watery eyes—this collection gives you what you need to handle it right.