Reviewed by The Mom Store editorial team, October 2026. See our editorial policy.
Most pink eye (conjunctivitis, often called "eye flu" or "Madras eye" in India) in children is mild and clears on its own. The NHS page on conjunctivitis says it usually gets better in a couple of weeks without treatment. What parents can do is keep the eyes clean and comfortable, stop it spreading through the family, and know the signs that need a doctor the same day.
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How to recognise it
Conjunctivitis usually affects both eyes. The NHS lists eyes that are red, burning or gritty, watery or itchy, and sticky pus that crusts on the lashes. The red, gritty kind and the sticky kind are usually infections and are contagious. Allergic conjunctivitis, for example from hay fever, is not catching.
1. Check for warning signs first
Before treating at home, rule out the signs that need a doctor urgently. The NHS and the CDC guidance on treating pink eye both list:
- red, sticky eyes in a baby under about one month old (the CDC says newborns with pink eye symptoms should see a doctor right away)
- pain in the eye, not just grittiness
- your child finding light painful
- changes in vision, or blurring that does not clear when the discharge is wiped away
- very red eyes
- a child with a weakened immune system
If any of these apply, see your paediatrician or an eye doctor the same day.
2. Keep the eyes clean and comfortable
The NHS suggests boiling water, letting it cool, then gently wiping the lashes with a clean cotton wool pad dipped in it, using a fresh pad for each eye. A cold, clean flannel held over the eyes for a few minutes can soothe them. The CDC also mentions cold compresses and artificial tears for comfort.
3. Use only the drops your doctor prescribes
Antibiotic drops only help when the cause is bacterial; they do not work on viral or allergic conjunctivitis, which is why the NHS says they are not always needed. The CDC notes that mild bacterial pink eye may get better without antibiotics, but that antibiotics can shorten the infection and reduce spread. Children under 2 need a doctor's prescription for any treatment, so do not use leftover drops or ones prescribed for someone else. If your child is on antibiotic drops and the eyes are not improving after 24 hours, the CDC advises going back to the doctor.
4. Stop it spreading at home
The American Academy of Pediatrics explains that pink eye spreads through contact with eye discharge, either directly or from things the child has touched, and that children are often contagious before anyone notices symptoms. The NHS advice to limit spread:
- wash hands often with warm soapy water, yours and your child's, especially after wiping their eyes
- do not share towels or pillows; give your child their own towel and napkin
- wash pillowcases and face cloths in hot water with detergent
- help your child not to rub their eyes
- cover the mouth and nose when sneezing
In the monsoon, when clothes and towels dry slowly, keep a few extra small towels ready so you are not reusing a damp one.
5. Decide about school
The NHS says children do not need to stay off school unless they feel very unwell. The AAP advises keeping a child home if they also have symptoms such as fever, and points out that many schools have their own rule, often allowing a return 24 hours after starting antibiotic drops. Check your school's policy before sending your child back.
When to go back to the doctor
Book a visit if your child's symptoms are getting worse rather than better after a few days, as the AAP advises, or if they have not cleared within 7 days, as the NHS suggests. Go the same day for any of the warning signs above.
This article is general information and does not replace advice from your doctor.
This article was first written by Dhanya Nair and has been rewritten by our editorial team.
