How to treat conjunctivitis at home

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the surface covering the eye and inner eyelid. It may cause redness, watering, irritation, crusting or discharge. The cause can be viral, bacterial, allergic or related to irritation, and the treatments differ. Read about [Conjunctivitis](/conditions/conjunctivitis/) and compare symptoms such as [Eye Discharge](/symptoms/eye-discharge/) or [Red Eye](/symptoms/red-eye/).

Wash your hands before and after touching the eye. Gently clean crusts with clean water and a fresh pad for each eye, wiping from the inner corner outward. A cool clean compress may soothe itching or burning. Do not share towels, pillows, cosmetics or eye drops, and wash reusable items that touch the face. Stop contact lenses and eye makeup until symptoms have cleared and a clinician or optometrist advises restarting. Do not use another person’s drops or leftover antibiotics; [Antibiotic Treatment](/treatments/medical-management/antibiotic-treatment/) is only useful for selected causes.

Arrange a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) if symptoms are persistent, worsening, recurrent or interfering with daily activities. Seek urgent eye assessment for significant pain, blurred vision, injury, marked swelling, or [Light Sensitivity](/symptoms/light-sensitivity/) with eye pain. Contact lens wearers should seek prompt advice because some eye infections can affect the cornea.

Ask what type of conjunctivitis is most likely, whether you should stay away from work or school, when lenses can be restarted, and which drops are suitable for your cause.