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Conjunctivitis
Overview
Conjunctivitis is a infectious or inflammatory condition seen in children. Its effects range from mild illness managed at home to symptoms that require prompt assessment.
Symptoms and severity vary. This article supports informed care but cannot diagnose a child or replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Signs and symptoms
Eyes may be red, gritty, watery or sticky. Viral and bacterial forms often affect both eyes, while allergy usually causes marked itching.
Age matters: babies and children with long-term conditions may become unwell more quickly, and a parent’s concern about a clear change in behaviour, breathing, drinking or alertness deserves attention.
Causes
The condition develops through infectious or inflammatory processes. Exposure, incubation and transmission differ by organism, so a clinician or public-health service can give situation-specific advice.
Risk factors
Younger age, close-contact settings, incomplete immunisation where a vaccine exists, chronic illness or reduced immunity may increase risk or severity. A risk factor raises likelihood but does not confirm that a child has the condition.
Diagnosis
A clinician considers the symptom pattern, exposure history and examination. Swabs, blood tests, imaging or other tests may be used when results would change care.
Tests are selected from the history and examination rather than used routinely for every child.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the cause and severity. Viral illnesses usually receive supportive care; confirmed bacterial or fungal disease may need a targeted antimicrobial.
Use prescription and non-prescription medicines only as directed for the child’s age and weight. Aspirin should not be given to children unless a specialist specifically prescribes it.
Home care
Offer regular drinks and age-appropriate food without forcing it. Use fever or pain medicine only according to professional or label guidance, and never use leftover antibiotics.
Encourage fluids, rest and comfortable clothing. Keep a note of symptom changes, medicines and fluid intake, and reduce spread through handwashing and condition-appropriate exclusion advice.
Prevention
Vaccination where recommended, hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, cleaning shared surfaces and avoiding close contact while infectious reduce spread.
Possible complications
Dehydration and secondary infection are common concerns. Some infections can affect breathing, the nervous system or other organs, particularly in babies or vulnerable children.
When to seek urgent medical care
Urgent eye assessment is needed for severe pain, light sensitivity, vision change, injury, a cloudy eye or a very young baby with a red eye.
Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey colour, collapse, a seizure, reduced responsiveness or signs of a rapidly worsening severe allergic reaction.
Frequently asked questions
Is this condition contagious?
Many infections are contagious, but the route and infectious period vary. Use condition-specific advice and tell a clinic before arrival if a highly contagious infection is possible.
Can my child attend school or childcare?
Follow local public-health and school guidance. Keep a child home when they are too unwell to participate, have a fever, or need care the setting cannot safely provide.
When should symptoms improve?
The course depends on the cause and the child’s health. Arrange reassessment if symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear or recovery is not following the timeframe given by the clinician.
Summary
The cause determines whether hygiene, allergy treatment or antibiotics are appropriate.
References
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Evidence-based, clearly reviewed.
Healthier Baby Today articles are reviewed for accuracy and updated as guidance changes.
Last updated: July 17, 2026
