Families For Life | Conjunctivitis-Toddlers
Key Things to Remember
Conjunctivitis can be caused by an infection or an allergy.
Infectious conjunctivitis spreads easily and remains contagious while there is eye discharge.
Regular handwashing helps reduce the risk of spreading infection.
Children with infectious conjunctivitis should stay home until the eye discharge has cleared.
See a doctor if symptoms worsen, do not improve, or if your child seems unwell.
With good hygiene and prompt care, most cases of conjunctivitis improve quickly and your toddler can get back to exploring, playing, and learning comfortably.
Conjunctivitis, often called 'pink eye', is a common eye condition in young children, especially those under five years old. It happens when the thin, clear layer covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids becomes irritated or inflamed. This can make the eyes look red or pink.
The treatment your child may need depends on the cause of the conjunctivitis. Some types are caused by infections, while others are caused by allergies. Infectious conjunctivitis spreads easily from person to person, whereas allergic conjunctivitis does not.