How To Prevent Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Use Clean Towels Daily

Individuals with conjunctivitis should take steps to ensure they use clean towels daily. Re-using a towel that has been touched could spread the infection to the other eye. Clean hand towels should be placed by the bathroom and kitchen sinks each day for hand drying, and bath towels should be laundered daily. Clean washcloths should also be used each day. When washing used towels, it is advisable to wash them in hot water. All used towels should be washed separately from other laundry items; kitchen towels and bathroom towels should be washed in separate loads. Ideally, the patient's towels and washcloths should be washed separately from those of other household members who do not have conjunctivitis. Since laundering large quantities of towels regularly may take too much time, patients may wish to use paper towels where possible, and disposable face wipes may be a more convenient option than washcloths for patients who are ill.

Avoid Touching Face and Eyes With Hands

To contain their eye infection, it is especially important for pink eye patients to avoid touching their face and eyes with their hands. If the patient touches their face and eyes, they could prolong the infection or spread it to their other eye or to others. Wearing gloves at night (and perhaps during the day as well) can keep the patient from touching their eyes. Winter, latex, or rubber gloves are all fine for this purpose, and the patient can choose whichever type of glove is most convenient. If the patient does not wish to wear gloves, occupying their hands with activities like knitting or typing can reduce the tendency to touch their face as well. Above all, individuals with conjunctivitis should ensure they wash their hands or use hand sanitizer regularly; this will reduce the risk of additional infection if they do accidentally touch their face or eyes.