Health Tip: Keeping Pinkeye at Bay

(HealthDay News) -- Conjunctivitis, more commonly known as pinkeye, is a contagious infection that often strikes children but can also affect adults. Pinkeye occurs when the tissue lining the eyelid becomes infected, and causes redness and itching of the eye.

Pinkeye is most often caused by a virus, but may also be caused by bacteria, fungi, or in rare cases, a parasite. The U.S. National Library of Medicine says antibiotics, typically eye drops, will only treat pinkeye caused by bacteria. Viral pinkeye will usually heal on its own without treatment, the NLM says.

Frequent handwashing is recommended to prevent the spread of pinkeye. You should also avoid touching your eyes or sharing eye cosmetics or towels with another person. Frequent washing of pillow cases, and regular removal and disinfection of contact lenses may also prevent infections from spreading or recurring.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: May 11, 2006