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Pink Eye

"Pink Eye" is the common name for conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the tissues in the eye socket. An  irritant, an allergy, bacteria or a virus may cause the inflammation. When bacteria or virus causes it, it is  an infection and is highly contagious. It is spread through contact with the discharge from the eyes of  an infected person. It can be prevented by avoiding contact with the eyes of an infected person and by  thorough hand washing. The viral infection may take from 12 hours to 12 days to develop after exposure  to an infected person. And the bacterial infection may take 1-3 days to develop following exposure 

Signs and symptoms include red, itching eyes usually with some discharge or crusting around the eyes.  Crusts are common upon awakening.  

The treatment for pink eye infection is medication prescribed by a physician or clinic, usually a  prescription antibiotic specific to the infection. The child must be excluded from school until the  physician determines that the child may return, with a written release. This varies from overnight to any number of days.  

If you have further questions or concerns, please consult your physician.