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Childhood illness guide

Conjunctivitis

Red, sticky or watery eyes that usually clear up within a couple of weeks

Clean flannel and eye drops on a white towel
CP

By Clever Mum Parenting · Parenting guides

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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.

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

How long does conjunctivitis last?

Usually gets better in a couple of weeks without treatment.

What helps conjunctivitis 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

When should you see a GP?

  • 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

Is conjunctivitis contagious, and can my child go to nursery or 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.

UKHSA guidance: UKHSA says no exclusion is required for conjunctivitis.

Some nurseries have their own policy, so check with yours. Wipe each eye with a separate clean cotton pad and avoid sharing towels and flannels.

Source: UKHSA exclusion periods for children’s settings (England), checked 25 September 2026. Your nursery or school may have its own policy.

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?

Common symptoms include: eyes that are red; eyes that burn or feel gritty; pus that sticks to the lashes; and 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; and a baby less than 30 days old with red, sticky eyes.

Can my child go to nursery or school with conjunctivitis?

UKHSA says no exclusion is required for conjunctivitis. Some nurseries have their own policy, so check with yours. Wipe each eye with a separate clean cotton pad and avoid sharing towels and flannels.

Sources & further reading

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. Last updated 25 September 2026.