DD has conjuctivitis-do I need to take her to the doctor?

[winnybella]

Green gunk started coming out of one eye today, eye is a bit red. I've been washing it away with cooled boiled water and will get some saline solution tomorrow.

When DS had it a couple of times I went to the doctor and got ABs but I think it's not necessary?

You can but Chloramphenacol over the counter. I think with eye infections it's better to nip in the bud asap - they can get so nasty so quickly. The wait and see approach doesn't really work. And the pharmacist can advise.
And keep changing pillowcases and towels!

Good info here

You can buy the drops for children over 2 years from a chemist, or some areas can issue them as part of a minor ailments/Care at the Chemist scheme for younger children too - if your PCT offers this. It tends to clear a lot quicker if treated, but you are right that you can just wait for it to settle if you prefer.

Thanks. I'm in France, so not sure whether I can get chloramphenacol here, ut will take DD to a pharmacy tomorrow morning and see if they can give her something.

It's worth bearing in mind that an antibiotic only reduces the duration of bacterial conjunctivitis by a day or two.

Meaning without, it'll still be better inside a week to ten days.

Chloramphenicol may not be available, many countries have concerns (probably unwarranted) about toxicity but they'll have other options.

In the meantime you're doing the right palliative option with the cleaning and do try and use separate towels.

Thanks She woke up with eye totally shut and full of gunk, but now it's red and slightly weepy, but no green stuff coming out anymore.