Conjunctivitis (Pink eye)
What it is: Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the transparent mucous membrane (the conjunctiva) lining the eyelids and eyeballs. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergies, or - in newborns - tear ducts that don't completely open (relative dacrostenosis). When it's bacterial or viral, conjunctivitis is dubbed "pink eye" and may be highly contagious. The infection results in red, watery, often itchy eyes, that emit secretions that crust and can cause the eyelids to stick together.

Causes: Colds and poor hand-washing habits; sharing of eye makeup in adolescents.

Treatment: Your physician can prescribe antibiotic drops or ointment (usually polytrim).

Return to day care/school: Once the infection has subsided, usually after a day or two, the child can return to school