Conjunctivitis treatment. Artwork of eye cream being applied to an eye with conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the delicate mucous membrane covering the front of the eye and the insides of the eyelids. The conjunctiva becomes red and swollen, and may discharge water or pus. Conjunctivitis can be caused by bacterial infection, a virus, an allergy, or by physical or chemical irritants.