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Pink, but Not Pretty
Debunking the Myths of Pink Eye
By Lisa Hurt Kozarovich
In most cases, the condition will clear up on its own in three to five days, but if it accompanies other symptoms such as a fever or earache, it's time for a visit to the doctor, according to Dr. Joan Shook, chief of the emergency department at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, Texas.
"Adneo virus can be a pretty serious respiratory virus that's accompanied by pink eye," says Dr. Shook. "Sometimes pink eye accompanies the measles or influenza. In fact, there are 22 different organisms that are associated with pink eye – most of them are benign, most of them viral. If the child is more than mildly ill, or has a fever, it would be worth a trip to the doctor."
According to Dr. Ferrell, in the case of very young children who can't complain of other symptoms, like earaches, the best bet is to have a pediatrician take a look. But most oftn, conjunctivitis is simply uncomfortable and time is the best medication.
