How long pink eye contagious, what causes it, and when should you seek medical care? Here are some basics about pink eye.
Do you have red, watery eyes that just can’t stop itching? If so, you may have pink eye.
What is the cause of pink eye?
Pink eye may be caused by a virus, bacteria, allergic reaction, or environmental irritants. Also known as conjunctivitis, it is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the white part of the eye, and the inner eyelids.
Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is redness and inflammation of the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane that lines the eyelid and the surface of the eye. Symptoms may include watery eyes, itchy eyes, a sticky discharge from the eyes that can cause the eyelids to stick together, and sensitivity to light.
There are three types of pink eye, and not all types are contagious.
Bacterial pink eye
According to the National Eye Institute, bacterial pink eye is often caused by exposure to the same bacteria that cause staph infections or strep throat.
Bacterial pink eye is highly contagious and is usually treated with antibiotic eye drops. It can spread to others as soon as symptoms appear and remain contagious for as long as symptoms persist, or for about 24 hours after starting a course of antibiotics.
Symptoms of bacterial pink eye include:
- Discharge of pus and mucus
- ear infection
- Pink or reddening of the whites of the eyes
Prevention of bacterial pink eye
Because it is spread by hand-to-eye contact or contact with an infected object, it is important to practice good hygiene by washing hands regularly and wearing goggles when swimming.
Viral pink eye
The most common type of pink eye is viral pink eye. Antibiotics don’t work on it, so it should usually run its course. Viral pink eye is sometimes accompanied by other symptoms, such as a cold or respiratory infection, and is also highly contagious.
Signs and symptoms of viral pink eye may include:
- Watery discharge from the eye
- One eye is infected, and the other eye eventually becomes infected
- Other illnesses, such as colds, flu, or other respiratory infections
Prevention of viral pink eye
Like bacterial pink eye, viral pink eye can spread through hand-to-eye contact or by touching objects contaminated with the virus. Avoid touching your eyes to prevent the spread of this virus, but if you do, wash your hands immediately. According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), proper hand washing means first wetting your hands, then washing them with soap. Be sure to clean your hands, and if possible, stay home from work or school.
Viral pink eye can take several days to several weeks to clear up, and it can be transmitted to others throughout that time.
Allergies and chemical pink eye
Pink eye can also be caused by allergies, air, sun, smoke, or chemicals (chemical pink eye). For example, someone may get eye irritation after being exposed to animal dander or swimming in a chlorinated pool. This type of pink eye is not contagious.
Risk factors for pink eye may include:
- Wearing hard or rigid contact lenses, sharing lenses, or not changing your lenses frequently
- Touching the eyes with dirty hands
- Using contaminated eye makeup
Pink eye treatment
Treating pink eye mostly involves making your eyes feel better and making sure you don’t spread the disease. A short-term remedy involves cleaning around your eyes with a soft damp cloth or cotton ball to soothe your eyes. Or, gently lay a cool, damp cloth over your closed eyes.
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Avoid wearing eye makeup or contact lenses until your pink eye is gone to keep makeup tools and lenses sterile. Also, do not share pillows, towels, or washcloths with others. If your pink eye doesn’t go away or starts to feel better after a week, be sure to see your doctor.
Call your doctor if you experience symptoms of pink eye. If your condition worsens, consider going to UPMC’s urgent care facility. If you can’t visit one of our locations, consider making an appointment with UPMC Anywhere Care online.
Allergies and chemical pink eye
Pink eye can also be caused by allergies, air, sun, smoke, or chemicals (chemical pink eye). For example, someone may get eye irritation after being exposed to an animal dander or swimming in a chlorinated pool. This type of pink eye is not contagious.
Risk factors for pink eye may include:
- Wearing hard or rigid contact lenses, sharing lenses, or not changing your lenses frequently
- Touching the eyes with dirty hands
- Using contaminated eye makeup
Pink eye treatment
Treating pink eye mostly involves making your eyes feel better and making sure you don’t spread the disease. A short-term remedy involves cleaning around your eyes with a soft damp cloth or cotton ball to soothe your eyes. Or, gently lay a cool, damp cloth over your closed eyes.
Avoid wearing eye makeup or contact lenses until your pink eye is gone to keep makeup tools and lenses sterile. Also, do not share pillows, towels, or washcloths with others. If your pink eye doesn’t go away or starts to feel better after a week, be sure to see your doctor.
Call your doctor if you experience symptoms of pink eye. If your condition worsens, consider going to UPMC’s urgent care facility. If you can’t visit one of our locations, consider making an appointment with UPMC AnywhereCare online.
How long pink eye contagious?
Viral or bacterial pinkeye is contagious. Viral pink eye is contagious before symptoms appear and as long as symptoms are present. Bacterial pink eye is contagious as long as there are no symptoms if there is discharge from the eye or 24 hours after starting antibiotics.
Allergic conjunctivitis and inflammatory conjunctivitis are not contagious.
