You don’t usually need to see your GP for conjunctivitis, but on some occasions it could be something serious

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As we enter the summer months, it's itchy eye season. One in four people in the UK has hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) which equates to about 16 million people. But how can you tell the difference between hayfever, and something a little more serious like pink eye?

Pink eye is a form of conjunctivitis; an inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the thin clear tissue that lies over the white part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelid.

Children are more likely to get pink eye, largely down to the contagious nature of the infection - as it can spread rapidly in schools. However, while it's very unlikely to cause long-term harm - it's important to be able to spot the symptoms and know what to do if you or your child becomes infected.

READ MORE: London doctor explains why hay fever has suddenly erupted with so many people getting itchy eyes

Conjunctivitis is where your eyes are red and sore. It's usually caused by an infection or allergy.

There are two types of pink eye - viral and bacterial:

Conjunctivitis that produces sticky pus is contagious.

If eyes are red and feel gritty, the conjunctivitis is also usually contagious. Pink eye is usually contagious for as long as you have symptoms like redness, tearing, and crusting.

Even though they’re caused by different things, pink eye and allergies have some of the same symptoms, so it’s easy to confuse them. That’s because pink eye and allergies are both types of conjunctivitis.

The difference comes down to the cause of that inflammation. The condition known commonly as “pink eye” is an infection, caused either by a bacteria or a virus. Allergies are triggered by various irritants, like pollen or pets.

They have some difference in symptoms - allergic conjunctivitis (i.e hayfever) you may also swelling in your eye and other classic signs of allergies, like sneezing or a runny nose. Whereas for pinkeye, you may have a crusty yellow or green discharge from your eyes, your eyelids can often be stuck together, and itchy eyes are less likely.

Hayfever also isn't contagious, unlike pinkeye.

Conjunctivitis usually gets better on its own. If it's a bacterial infection, you might be prescribed antibiotics. In some cases, antibiotic eye drops can clear the infection. You can ask your pharmacist for advice on what might help ease your symptoms.

But these will not work if it's caused by a virus (viral conjunctivitis) or an allergy. Allergic conjunctivitis can usually be treated with anti-allergy medications such as antihistamines. If possible, you should avoid the substance that triggered the allergy.

You do not need to stay away from work or school unless you or your child are feeling very unwell. There are things you can do to help ease your symptoms at home, however.

According to the NHS, you should:

Do not wear contact lenses until your eyes are better. See your GP immediately if you have:

wash your hands regularly with warm soapy water

wash your pillow cases and face cloths in hot water and detergent

cover your mouth and nose when sneezing and put used tissues in the bin.