Conjunctivitis self-care: practical steps

Conjunctivitis affects the surface of the eye and may cause redness, watering, itch, burning, grittiness, swollen lids, or discharge. Viral and bacterial forms can spread between people, while allergy and irritation are not passed on in the same way. Because these causes overlap, self-care can ease symptoms but cannot always identify what is happening.

Wash your hands before touching your face and after cleaning the eye. Soften crusts with clean lukewarm water, then wipe from the inner corner outward using a fresh clean pad. Use a cool compress for itchy or swollen lids and ask a pharmacist about lubricating drops. Keep towels, pillowcases, cosmetics, and eye drops personal. Avoid rubbing the eye, swimming, contact lenses, and eye makeup until it feels normal. Discard eye cosmetics used during the episode. Never use another person’s drops or leftover antibiotics.

Book a GP consultation if symptoms are worsening, repeatedly returning, or not settling, or if discharge makes the eyelids difficult to open. Seek urgent care for eye pain, vision change, major light sensitivity, injury, chemical exposure, or symptoms in a contact lens wearer. A clinician can decide whether antibiotic treatment or another approach is appropriate.

Ask which cause is most likely, how long to continue self-care, whether anyone at home needs precautions, and what symptoms should trigger an urgent review.