A 6-year-old girl has redness and crusting in both eyes. What treatment is NOT appropriate?

In this scenario, the child presents with redness and crusting in both eyes, which is commonly associated with conditions such as conjunctivitis. While treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause, some interventions might not be appropriate.

Topical antibiotic eye drops are generally used for bacterial conjunctivitis; however, they are not necessary in cases where the condition is viral or allergic in nature. If the crusting is due to a viral infection or an allergic reaction, antibiotic drops would not provide any benefit and could lead to unnecessary exposure or resistance. Therefore, administering topical antibiotics when they are not indicated is not a suitable treatment option in this case.

On the other hand, over-the-counter lubricating eye drops may provide symptom relief, excusing the child from school could help prevent spreading if it's contagious, and advising cool compresses along with good hand hygiene are reasonable measures to alleviate discomfort and reduce the risk of transmission. Each of these actions supports the care of the child while addressing common symptoms associated with conjunctivitis in a more appropriate manner.