Every mom knows and fears it. It stalks playgrounds, day cares and schools and can be found in every household at some point during childhood. The dreaded Pink Eye. What is it and how do we stop it? Read on.

Pink eye is known as conjunctivitis in medical terminology. This inflammatory condition affects the conjunctiva. This is the thin membrane that covers the white of the eye (sclera). It normally produces moisture to coat and lubricate the eye and has tiny blood vessels. When this membrane becomes irritated or inflamed, the blood vessels enlarge, thus making the eye red.

Causes of conjunctivitis vary, but most commonly arise from infection, allergy and environmental irritants.

Infectious conjunctivitis may be caused by bacteria or viruses, which are very commonly spread when children are together in situations such as daycare or nursery school. The distinguishing mark of a bacterial infection is a discharge of mucous or pus that can crust around the lids and eyelashes. In children, bacteria cause 80 percent of the cases of infectious conjunctivitis. This condition is treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments. With proper treatment, bacterial conjunctivitis usually resolves within five days.

Viral infections produce red eyes, sore throat and runny nose, symptoms found with the common cold. There is usually a watery discharge and crusting of the eyelashes that can last from one to two weeks, or until the virus has run its course.

Infectious conjunctivitis is highly contagious, whether it's viral or bacterial. Contact of common objects must be avoided, towels, clothing, etc; anything that person touches can be contaminated. Because of this, frequent hand washing is advised. Children with infectious conjunctivitis should be kept out of school until the eye is no longer red and watery.

Allergies can also produce conjunctivitis. Some children can have ocular allergies in association with hay fever, asthma or nasal allergies. Other children show signs of allergies only in their eyes. Ocular allergies produce itchy, red, watery eyes, but not usually the discharge and lid matting seen with infectious conjunctivitis.

Antihistamines, (drugs that suppress the body's immune response), may be effective in relieving symptoms. As with any other medication, check with your family doctor to make sure it is right for you or your child. Anti-allergy drops can also be very effective in treating the itching, redness and irritation associated with ocular allergies.

Environmental irritants, such as smoke or fumes may cause conjunctivitis. In these cases, eradication of the offending irritant is the best remedy.

Several diseases can produce red eyes and are of a more serious nature than conjunctivitis. Symptoms to watch for are pain, blurred vision and severe light sensitivity. A medical evaluation of a red eye is necessary to determine the cause in order to avoid possible damage.

The key is prevention. Hand washing is very effective and can prevent many cases, especially spreading the condition from one eye to the other. Careful supervision and quick action can help lessen the severity of a common childhood illness from infiltrating your family and home.