Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is not contagious when it is caused by allergies or irritants. Allergic pink eye typically clears once the person moves away from the allergen and is not spread from person to person. When pink eye is caused by viruses or bacteria, it is contagious. Viral pink eye can be contagious for 10 to 14 days, sometimes up to 2 or 3 weeks, and is generally contagious as long as symptoms like tearing and matted eyes persist. Bacterial pink eye is contagious for about a week if untreated, but after starting antibiotics, it is no longer contagious after 24 hours of treatment. In summary, pink eye is not contagious:
- When caused by allergies or irritants.
- After symptoms are fully resolved for at least 24 hours.
- After 24 hours of antibiotic treatment for bacterial pink eye.
Pink eye remains contagious while symptoms like discharge, redness, and irritation are present.
