You have probably heard a lot about pink eye, which is also known as conjunctivitis. This contagious eye infection causes itching, swelling, redness and discharge from the eye. It is uncomfortable and will put you out of commission for at least a couple of days. However, there is a difference between pink eye and other eye ailments, such as sties or allergies. If you can’t tell the differences, here is what to look for.

Pink Eye vs. Sties
Sties are very common and this condition may cause redness or swelling, but it will also be accompanied by one or several small bumps along the eyelid or on the inside of the eyelid. Pink eye will not cause bumps on the eye. If you find that you eye is red and swollen and find a bump, then you probably have a sty—not pink eye. Sties are not contagious and can easily be treated with some prescription eye drops available through your doctor.

Pink Eye vs. Allergies
Many people experience allergies—and quite often, these allergies can settle in the eye causing redness, burning and itching. These symptoms are very common to pink eye. However, if you have discharge from the eye (the kind that causes matting), then it is probably more than allergies. You are probably looking at pink eye. If you suspect you have allergies, try some allergy eye drops or taking oral allergy medicine. If the redness goes away, then you probably had allergies and not pink eye.

The important thing to remember is that pink eye is contagious, so if you suspect that you have pink eye, then you might want to get a proper diagnosis from your doctor. Your doctor will be able to tell whether you in fact have pink eye, or something else. A few drops will have you on your way to a speedy recovery.