The cause of pink eye determines whether or not the pink eye is contagious. How long is pink eye contagious? The general rule is that pink eye’s contagious for three to five days. The cause of the pink eye and the treatment determines how long pink eye is contagious.

The type of pink eyes contagious are caused by viral or bacterial infections. Not every case of pink eye is caused by viral or bacterial infections. Some other causes of pink eye include exposure to chemicals or allergies. The cause of pink eye can be difficult to determine.

If someone had other symptoms of allergies at the onset of the pink eye symptoms, then there is a good chance that the pink eye is an allergic reaction. Therefore, it would not be contagious. If someone who is not used to smoke spent a significant amount of time exposed to smoke just before the symptoms of pink eye began, than the pink eye may be caused by the smoke irritating the eyes. If the person was exposed to fumes or chemicals, these could cause the pink eye. Pink eye due to smoke, chemicals, or fumes is not contagious.

Treatment affect how long is pink eye contagious. If pink eye has been caused by a bacterial infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops. The pink eye is not longer considered contagious after the person has been administering the eye drops for twenty-four hours.

If the pink eye is due to a viral infection, there is no medication for its treatment. The pink eyes contagious for three to five days. In rare cases, the pink eye is caused by the herpes virus. If the doctor suspects this to be the cause, the pink eye can be treated with antiviral medication.

Pink eye can be extremely contagious during the time it is considered contagious. To prevent the spread of pink eye, the affected person and everyone in the household or in regular contact with someone with pink eye should wash their hands thoroughly and frequently. The person with pink eye should avoid rubbing the eyes and then touching objects or people. If someone with pink eye rubs their eyes, they should immediately wash their hands.

People should avoid going to work or school while they have pink eye. Some schools and workplaces require a note from the doctor before they allow the person to return. This can be difficult because many doctors do not treat pink eye, but prefer to allow it to run its course. This is because the pink eye clears on its own in seven to ten days. Also, if drops are prescribed, it is easy for the eye drop container to become contaminated which can prolong the condition instead of helping it.