What is the difference between viral and bacterial pink eye?
With viral conjunctivitis (pink eye) medications can be prescribed that will ease the discomfort, and there are also antiviral medications ($$$$$$) for eyes, but these are usually used to treat herpes type infections. Viral conjunctivitis will usually get better without treatment, but antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent secondary bacterial infections. With bacterial conjunctivitis, there are antibiotics that can be prescribed, usually erythromycin , or a broad spectrum tetracycline ophthalmic ointment. Conjunctivitis is extremely contagious. Towels, washcloths, etc. MUST not be shared with affected person. Persons with active contagious pink eye infections should not go to school/work until infection is under control to avoid spreading to others. For comfort, darker rooms and warm wet washcloths offer some relief.
