Bacterial conjunctivitis treatment at home

Home care for suspected bacterial conjunctivitis focuses on eye hygiene, avoiding spread, and recognising symptoms that need medical assessment. Clean discharge gently, wash hands often, and avoid contact lenses. Home measures do not confirm the cause or replace care when pain, light sensitivity, or vision changes occur.

A [Red Eye](/symptoms/red-eye/) with sticky [Eye Discharge](/symptoms/eye-discharge/) may fit conjunctivitis, but similar signs occur with viral infection, allergy, irritation, and eye-surface injury. Use a clean damp pad for each wipe and avoid rubbing. Do not put household substances, unprescribed drops, or another person's medicine in the eye. [Conjunctivitis](/conditions/conjunctivitis/) can spread through hands, towels, and shared cosmetics.

Wash hands before and after cleaning the eye. Use clean water and a fresh pad to remove crusting, wiping from the inner corner outward. Wash pillowcases and towels regularly, do not share them, and discard eye cosmetics used during the infection. Rest contact lenses and seek a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) if symptoms are significant or fail to settle. A clinician may recommend [Antibiotic Treatment](/treatments/medical-management/antibiotic-treatment/) when bacterial infection is likely.

Get urgent assessment for eye pain, reduced vision, strong [Light Sensitivity](/symptoms/light-sensitivity/), injury, chemical exposure, or symptoms in a contact-lens wearer. Seek prompt care for swelling around the eye, worsening redness, fever with marked illness, or symptoms that do not improve. Children who cannot keep the eye open or whose vision seems affected should be assessed without delay.

Is home care reasonable for this appearance and duration? How should the eye be cleaned? Do I need prescription treatment? When can my child return to school, or I return to work? When is it safe to resume contact lenses?