Pink eye is also known as conjunctivitis; at least that is the name that the doctors use to call this highly contagious infection of the eye. Pink eye can develop due to a bacterium, virus or even allergies.

The infection causes pain and itching of the eye. In addition, the eye feels gritty and waters constantly, and the person will also suffer from light sensitivity. Usually bacterial cause of pink is streptococcus bacterium or staphylococcus bacterium. While viral cause can be on account of common cold, sore throat, infection of the respiratory tract or infection of the sinuses.

How long pink eye will last depends on the cause. If the pink eye cause is a bacterial infection, then there will be an incubation period for the bacterium or virus. This period can be anywhere from twelve hours to three days. After the incubation period the symptoms will come on. In the incubation period, the person is not contagious. However, once the symptoms appear, the contagious period of the infection begins.

Pink eye can last for up to two weeks if proper treatment is not given. However, only bacterial pink eye can be treated through anti-bacterial medications and anti-inflammatories. Once the person starts using anti-bacterial medication, he or she can return to work or school after twenty fours.

On the other hand, viral pink eye can last for up to a week. As it is caused by a virus, there is no treatment as such and the infection has to run it course. However, the person can be given medication to alleviate the symptoms of the infection like swelling and itching.

Pink eye caused due to allergies will stay as long as the allergen is around. However, with antihistamine treatment, the infection can last for up to two days.

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