If your child has what looks like conjunctivitis do you take them to the doctors ?

[chocolateteapot]

DS has woken up with big puffy red eyes and I'm guessing he has viral conjunctivitis as he's just gone down with a cold/cough thing. Am I right in thinking that there is no point taking him to the doctor at this point as viral conjunctivitis doesn't respond to eye drops ? But that if it doesn't clear up in a day or so then I should take him as he might have developed a bacterial infection ?

Many thanks.

Scrub that question, he's crying that they hurt so I'm ringing them.

I would take him, but you can get drops over the counter now, so maybe a trip to the pharmacist as well? instead of?

Bless him, good luck poor baby.... try a cold flannel to take some of the swelling and discomfort down and some calpol or whatever you usually use.

I hate conjunctivitis, I always catch it from my children because I wear contact lenses and have dry eyes.

It is very painful and so irritating. Hope he gets something to help!

Bathe them with warm water with a tiny bit of salt in it, if he'll let you - it really helps. Remember to use separate flannels for each eye. And don't let anyone else in the family use his towels.
Poor thing - I hope he's better soon!

Sorry Seeker, but better still (ta da...) cotton balls, use once, one wipe, one direction ONE EYE, and bin Wash hands, repeat. Thanks seeker, wouldn't have thought of that otherwise....hope you don't mind.....

if he is over two, just go to chemist and get some antibiotic eyedrops. lot easier than gp, mind you if you go to gp and get prescription, it will save u a fiver.

Thank you all. They are flipping fantastic at the surgery. I explained what he had, thinking they might say take him to the Pharmacy, but she said he needed to be seen, that she had an appointment for 3.50pm but because of his age she wanted him to be seen sooner so we are going at the end of morning surgery.

I have water cooling and will get going with the cotton wool balls, he says they don't hurt so much now. Need him well as he is Joseph in the nursery play on Friday bless him !

Teamwork, 3Dmincepie, teamwork!