YOUR HEALTH

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My little boy, a second-grader, was sent home from school with a note saying he has pinkeye and should remain at home until the eye has cleared. The boy isn't sick. He doesn't complain of anything. In fact, he is watching TV and is asking to go outside. How long does he have to stay home? Is there any medicine for it? -P.K.

ANSWER: You should take the boy to the family doctor to find out what kind of pinkeye he has and if, indeed, he actually has pinkeye. Lots of things look like pinkeye.

Viral pinkeye, common at your son's age and highly contagious, starts out with redness of one eye. The eye doesn't usually hurt. It might be a little sensitive to light. Frequently, the eye waters. Some complain that the eye feels like it has sand in it; if so, artificial tears can make the eye more comfortable. Cold compresses to the closed lids are also soothing.

The other eye routinely becomes infected in a matter of days.

There is no specific medicine for this kind of pinkeye. To prevent spread, have your son wash his hands often. He should have his own washcloths and towels, and other family members should wash their hands frequently.

The infection lasts seven to 10 days, and the boy ought to stay home until his eyes clear.

Bacteria can also cause pinkeye. To an untrained person, the eye looks very similar to viral pinkeye. One distinguishing characteristic between the two is crusty lids, common in bacterial pinkeye. Antibiotic ointments and creams can cure this infection.

Eye infections are a complicated subject that doesn't lend itself to generalizations. Herpes eye infections, for

example, need immediate treatment with antiviral medicines. That's why the doctor exam is so important.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am married and faithful, but have repeated infections of the skin of my penis. My urologist says I need to be circumcised. What do you say? -J.G.

ANSWER: Recurring infections that are not responding to antibiotic treatment are an indication for circumcision.

Routine circumcision of newborns is something that isn't necessary unless religious or ethnic considerations call for it.

Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL32853-6475.