How long after pink eye can you wear makeup and contact lenses?

Question

I was fine two days ago but when I woke up yesterday I couldn't open my eyes. When I went to school I was sent home around 11, than immediately took my contacts out. My mother took me to the doctors at 2, where he gave my eye drops and said that if I put them in 3 times each I could go to school today. I also bought new makeup because the mascara I was using was old and might have had bacteria. So I have brand new eye makeup, and my eyes are a lot better today, so when can I use makeup and put my contact lenses in ?

Answer 1

Pinkeye (conjunctivitis) generally lasts 5-7 days with the antibiotic drops, and 3-5 days with the drops.  Just because the redness has gone down, it does not mean that the infection is over-it can sometimes last over a week or flare up again if you irritate your eyes.  To give your eyes time to heal (and to also make sure that you don't infect your new contacts and makeup), I would wait several days at the very least, preferably a week.  Wash your hands frequently and avoid rubbing your eyes during this time.  If there is discharge from your eye, you can apply a warm washcloth to bring it down.  After waiting, you can return to makeup and (new) contacts.  Eye infections are nasty, you don't want to mess with them.  Always be on the safe side!

Answer 2

Self-Care Measures

Wash your hands frequently to keep from spreading your infection.

Wear glasses, not contacts, until all symptoms go away. If you wear disposable contacts, discard your current pair. For all other contacts, cleanse thoroughly following manufacturer's instructions.

Put a washcloth soaked in warm water on your eyes if matted or if eye discharge is significant. Don't re-use the cloth or put it where someone else might use it.

Don't use eye makeup while you have symptoms, and discard eye makeup used shortly before your symptoms began.

Irrigate your eyes frequently with an OTC artificial tear solution. It's best to avoid eye drops that contain decongestants.

Answer 3

That's good you bought new makeup because you could get the infection again. I've had eye infections before and you don't want to mess with it. Don't wear makeup or your contacts until it is completely gone. You might want to clean your contacts really well and call the eye doctor and ask to make sure if you can use them again. I've had to throw away my contacts before and get new ones.