# Conjunctivitis: Symptoms, Home Care & When to Worry | Clever Mum > Conjunctivitis in children — symptoms, how long it lasts, what helps at home, and the NHS's own guidance on when to see a GP or seek urgent help. * [ Home ](/) * › [ Health ](/health/childhood-illnesses) * › [ Childhood Illnesses ](/health/childhood-illnesses) * › Conjunctivitis Childhood illness guide # Conjunctivitis Red, sticky or watery eyes that usually clear up within a couple of weeks [ CP ](/authors/parenting-desk/) By [ Clever Mum Parenting ](/authors/parenting-desk/) · Parenting guides Published 11 July 2026 Quick answer — What is conjunctivitis? Conjunctivitis is an eye condition caused by infection or allergies. It usually gets better in a couple of weeks without treatment. If your child needs treatment and is under 2, they'll need a GP prescription. Usually gets better in a couple of weeks without treatment. This is general information, not a diagnosis — see a GP or call NHS 111 if you're unsure. ## What it is Conjunctivitis is an eye condition caused by infection or allergies. It usually gets better in a couple of weeks without treatment. If your child needs treatment and is under 2, they'll need a GP prescription. ## Symptoms * Eyes that are red * Eyes that burn or feel gritty * Pus that sticks to the lashes * Itchy or watery eyes ## How long it lasts Usually gets better in a couple of weeks without treatment. ## What helps at home * Wash eyelids with clean, boiled-and-cooled water, and gently wipe the lashes with a clean cotton wool pad to remove crusts — use a separate pad for each eye * Hold a cold flannel on the eyes for a few minutes to cool them * Don't wear contact lenses until the eyes are better * A pharmacist can advise and suggest eyedrops or antihistamines ## See a GP if * Your baby has red, sticky eyes — get an urgent appointment if they are under 30 days old * You wear contact lenses and have symptoms plus eyelid spots * Symptoms haven't cleared up within 7 days ## Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if you have: * •Pain in the eyes * •Sensitivity to light * •Changes in vision, like wavy lines or flashing * •Very red eyes, in one or both eyes * •A baby less than 30 days old with red, sticky eyes ## Contagious period & nursery/school You don't need to keep your child away from nursery or school unless they're feeling very unwell — though the infectious types of conjunctivitis (unlike the allergic kind) can spread to others. ## Conjunctivitis: common questions What is conjunctivitis? Conjunctivitis is an eye condition caused by infection or allergies. It usually gets better in a couple of weeks without treatment. If your child needs treatment and is under 2, they'll need a GP prescription. Usually gets better in a couple of weeks without treatment. This is general information, not a diagnosis — see a GP or call NHS 111 if you're unsure. What are the symptoms of conjunctivitis? Eyes that are red Eyes that burn or feel gritty Pus that sticks to the lashes Itchy or watery eyes When should I get urgent help for conjunctivitis? Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if you have: Pain in the eyes Sensitivity to light Changes in vision, like wavy lines or flashing Very red eyes, in one or both eyes A baby less than 30 days old with red, sticky eyes ## Sources & further reading * [ Conjunctivitis ](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/conjunctivitis/) — NHS [← Tonsillitis](/health/childhood-illnesses/tonsillitis/) [All illnesses](/health/childhood-illnesses/) [Bronchiolitis →](/health/childhood-illnesses/bronchiolitis/) This is general information sourced from NHS.uk, not medical advice or a diagnostic tool. Every child is different — if you're at all worried, contact your GP, call NHS 111, or in an emergency call 999. Reviewed August 2026. ## Conjunctivitis at a glance Typically affects Common at any age; babies under 30 days need urgent review Usual duration Usually gets better in a couple of weeks without treatment. Urgent GP/111 tier See below