(HealthDay News) -- Conjunctivitis, commonly called pinkeye, is a highly contagious infection.

The Nemours Foundation offers these suggestions to protect your child and help reduce pinkeye's spread:

• Teach your child to wash hands frequently, using soap and warm water.
• Tell your child to never share products such as eye makeup, washcloths, eye drops, pillowcases or towels.
• Limit exposure to allergens by keeping windows closed (when outdoor allergen levels are high) and vacuuming often.
• After you've cared for a child with pinkeye, wash your hands thoroughly, and discard anything used to clean the eyes.
• Carefully wash in very hot water, and separate from other washables, any towels or linens that the infected child used.

Related MedlinePlus Pages:

• Pinkeye