Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Is Swimming Safe When Diagnosed With Conjunctivitis?
Question: My son has conjunctivitis. Should he stay out of the pool?
Brief Answer:
Avoid pool until symptoms are gone.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
It is best for him to stay out of the pool until the conjunctivitis clears because the chlorine or other pool treatment can irritate the already irritated and inflamed conjunctiva.
In addition to the antibiotic drops that he was prescribed, applying moist heat (as much as a 1 year old will let you!) can speed resolution of the infection. This works for either viral conjunctivitis (which does not respond to antibiotic drops) and bacterial conjunctivitis. If your son will let you, hold him up by the sink, and soak a wash cloth under very warm water and hold against his closed eye. When it cools, repeat. If you can do this a few times a day that is best.
I hope this information helps. Good luck.
Avoid pool until symptoms are gone.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
It is best for him to stay out of the pool until the conjunctivitis clears because the chlorine or other pool treatment can irritate the already irritated and inflamed conjunctiva.
In addition to the antibiotic drops that he was prescribed, applying moist heat (as much as a 1 year old will let you!) can speed resolution of the infection. This works for either viral conjunctivitis (which does not respond to antibiotic drops) and bacterial conjunctivitis. If your son will let you, hold him up by the sink, and soak a wash cloth under very warm water and hold against his closed eye. When it cools, repeat. If you can do this a few times a day that is best.
I hope this information helps. Good luck.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
