What causes conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria or allergies. The most appropriate advice can depend on the symptoms and how they have developed.
CHILDREN'S PHARMACY SUPPORT
Conjunctivitis & Pink Eye Treatment
Red, irritated or sticky eyes can be uncomfortable for children and can sometimes spread easily. Our pharmacy team can assess common symptoms, provide practical advice and help you understand when further medical care may be needed.
Understanding conjunctivitis
What is pink eye?
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the thin surface covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. It is common in children and can have several possible causes.
It can affect one or both eyes
Symptoms may start in one eye and sometimes affect both eyes. The appearance and severity can vary from one child to another.
Some forms can spread
Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can spread through close contact and contaminated hands or shared personal items. Good hand hygiene can help reduce the risk of spreading infection.
Early advice can help
If your child's eyes are red, irritated or producing discharge, getting advice early can help you understand appropriate care and whether further assessment is needed.
Common symptoms
What should you look for?
Conjunctivitis can cause several noticeable changes around the eyes. Speak with our pharmacy team if you are unsure what your child's symptoms mean.
01
Red or pink eyes
The white part of the eye may look pink, red or more bloodshot than usual.
02
Itchy or irritated eyes
Your child may rub their eyes or complain that they feel itchy, uncomfortable or irritated.
03
Watery or sticky discharge
Eyes may water more than usual or develop sticky discharge around the eyelids.
04
Crusting around the eyelids
Discharge can dry around the eyelids, particularly after sleeping.
Preventing spread
Good eye hygiene matters
Some forms of conjunctivitis can spread easily between people. Simple hygiene measures can help reduce the chance of passing infection to family members, classmates and other close contacts.
Wash hands regularly
Encourage thorough hand washing, particularly after touching
the eyes or face.
Avoid rubbing the eyes
Try to discourage touching or rubbing irritated eyes.
Do not share towels
Keep towels, face cloths and other personal items separate.
Follow treatment advice
Use any recommended treatment exactly as advised by your
pharmacist or healthcare professional.
Pharmacy support
How our pharmacy team can help
Our pharmacists can assess common symptoms, discuss possible causes and help you understand the most appropriate next step.
01
Assess eye symptoms
We can discuss the redness, irritation, discharge and other symptoms your child is experiencing.
02
Discuss possible causes
We can help you understand whether symptoms may be consistent with infection, allergy or another cause.
03
Recommend suitable care
Where appropriate, we can explain suitable treatment and practical measures to help manage symptoms.
04
Refer when needed
If your child's symptoms require medical assessment, we can advise you to seek appropriate healthcare support.
Before your visit
Is this service suitable for my child?
Pharmacy conjunctivitis services can vary depending on age, symptoms, local clinical arrangements and the services available at your pharmacy.
A pharmacist will ask a few questions about your child's symptoms and
can explain whether pharmacy support is appropriate. If another
healthcare service is more suitable, we will guide you towards the
next step.
When to seek urgent medical help
Some eye symptoms should not be managed as routine conjunctivitis without medical assessment.
- Severe eye pain
- Strong sensitivity to light
- Changes in vision or difficulty seeing
- An eye injury or something lodged in the eye
- Significant swelling around the eye
- Symptoms that are rapidly getting worse
If your child has severe pain, vision changes, an eye injury or
appears seriously unwell, seek urgent medical care rather than
waiting for routine pharmacy advice.
Simple and supportive
What to expect
Getting advice about your child's eye symptoms should be straightforward. Our pharmacy team will guide you through the next steps.
1
Speak with our pharmacist
Tell us about your child's eye symptoms and when they started.
2
Brief assessment
We will ask relevant questions to understand the symptoms and whether pharmacy support is appropriate.
3
Advice or treatment
If appropriate, we will explain suitable treatment and practical steps to manage symptoms.
4
Referral if required
If further medical assessment is needed, we will explain the appropriate next step.
Service information
What does this service cost?
Charges can vary depending on your location, treatment and eligibiltiy.
Our pharmacy team will explain any applicable costs before proceeding, so you know what to expect.
Get help with your child's eye symptoms
If your child's eyes are red, irritated or producing discharge, speak with our pharmacy team for practical advice and guidance on what to do next.