Conjunctivitis (Red or Sticky Eye): symptoms, self-care and when to get help
Checked against current published health guidance — last reviewed 2026-09-23. See how we check.
Conjunctivitis causes red, itchy, or sticky eyes and is usually due to a viral or bacterial infection, or an allergy, often clearing on its own within one to two weeks. Eye pain, vision changes, or sensitivity to light need same-day assessment to rule out something more serious.
Overview
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the thin layer covering the white of the eye and inner eyelid, causing redness, itching, watering, or a sticky discharge. It's common, especially in children, and usually not serious.
Viral and allergic conjunctivitis are the most common types; bacterial conjunctivitis tends to cause a thicker, yellow-green discharge and can be more contagious.
What may help
- Gently clean the eyelids with cooled boiled water and clean cotton wool
- Avoid rubbing the eyes and wash hands frequently to prevent spreading it
- Don't share towels, pillows, or eye makeup while symptoms last
- A pharmacist can advise on suitable eye drops depending on the likely cause
When to see a pharmacist or GP
- Symptoms not improving after a week or two
- Conjunctivitis in a newborn baby
- You wear contact lenses and have symptoms
- Symptoms are affecting one eye severely or seem unusual
When it could be an emergency
- Eye pain (rather than just discomfort or itching)
- Sensitivity to light or blurred/reduced vision
- A red eye following an injury or with something possibly in the eye
- Significant swelling around the eye, especially with fever
If any of these apply, don't wait — call your local emergency number (see emergency numbers by country, or Red Flags in the app), or go straight to your nearest emergency department.
Want more detail, tailored to your own situation?
Look up "Conjunctivitis (Red or Sticky Eye)" in the appCommon questions
Is conjunctivitis contagious?
Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can spread easily through contact, especially in children; allergic conjunctivitis isn't contagious.
Can I wear contact lenses with conjunctivitis?
It's best to avoid contact lenses until symptoms have fully cleared, and to get advice from a pharmacist, optometrist, or GP first.
Should a child with conjunctivitis stay off school?
Many schools don't require exclusion for conjunctivitis alone, but check your school's specific policy and practise good hand hygiene regardless.
How long does conjunctivitis last?
It usually gets better on its own within 1 to 2 weeks.
Do I need antibiotic eye drops?
Often not. A pharmacist can advise, and antibiotic drops may be recommended for some bacterial infections.
Official sources
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General information only, last checked 2026-09-23 — not medical advice and not a diagnosis. This page doesn't cover every cause or every person's situation; for anything specific to you or someone in your care, speak to a pharmacist, GP, or other qualified professional. See how we check. Be Health Wise is part of the Be Wise family of apps.