Did you know Conjunctivitis is one of the common eye infections many of us face at least once in our lives? Pink eye is an eye condition that may keep you up at night, which may cause yellowish or greenish discharge accompanied by itching and burning. Several home remedies mentioned in this article will help you soothe some of the symptoms keeping you at ease.

Although pinkeye or Conjunctivitis doesn’t usually cause any significant complications, the infection symptoms and severity vary from person to person. Read on to know more about pinkeye and the treatment options you can try!


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Causes of Pink Eye:

One of the prominent causes of pink eye is an infection caused in the eyes because of microbes like bacteria or viruses. Some of the other reasons are:

  • Allergies.
  • Foreign particles in the eyes.
  • Products with toxic chemicals.
  • Blocked tear ducts, especially in infants.
  • Contact lens getting contaminated.
  • Getting in physical with an infected person.

Symptoms of Conjunctivitis:

We present you with some of the most common symptoms that people experience if they have Conjunctivitis or pink eye:

  • Redness and swelling of eyes.
  • Grainy sensation in eyes.
  • Ding it difficult to close and open eyes.
  • Discharge of sticky substance from the eyes.
  • Tearing in excess.
  • Blurry vision.
  • Formation of crusts on your eyelids after sleep.

Prevention of Pinkeye:

Although it might be challenging to prevent pinkeye completely, by following these precautionary measures, you can stop it from spreading to others:

  • Try not to touch your eyes with your hands.
  • Wash your hands with soap, followed by a hand sanitizer in case you touch your eyes with your hands.
  • Wipe your eyes with a clean, cotton cloth.
  • Make sure not to share anything personal with others, such as glass wear, towels.
  • Use hot water to wash your pillowcases.
  • Try to avoid wearing contact lenses.
  • Until the symptoms subside, avoid using any eye cosmetics.
  • Discard any contact lenses you wear during the infection.

See More: Tips to Keep Your Eyes Healthy

Best Home Remedies for Pink Eye:

Here is a list of some of the natural remedies you can try to treat pinkeye at the comfort of your home:

1. Stop Using Contact Lenses:

Contact lenses have been one of the favorite choices for many who don’t like to wear glasses irrespective of age. But if you have been infected with pink eye, it is better to avoid wearing them until the infection clears up to prevent irritation.

If you wear the contact lenses, make sure to discard them since it may host the pinkeye’s microbes, resulting in the infection’s re-occurrence. Make sure to replace the old ones once you are cleared up of the pinkeye.

2. Avoid Wearing Eye Makeup:

Eye makeup is one thing you should avoid when you have Conjunctivitis or pinkeye since the chemicals present in them may irritate.

Make sure to throw away any eye makeup or brushes you might have used while you are infected and get fresh ones to replace them.

See More: Some of the Hottest Eye Makeup Designs

3. Cold or Warm Compress:

The inflammation caused because of pinkeye can be painful and irritating. The application of cold and warm compress topically not only cleanses your infected eye, but it also relieves you from the pain giving you a soothing feel.

What You Need:

  1. One soft clean cloth.
  2. One bowl of cool or warm water.

How to Use:

  • Soak the soft cloth in a bowl of cool or warm water.
  • Slightly squeeze the cloth of the excess water.
  • Gently place the cloth over your infected eye.
  • Let it stay over there for a few minutes.
  • Remove the cloth and wash it before reusing it.
  • Repeat the process three times a day.

4. Tea Bag:

The flavonoids present in both green and black tea are known to fight viral and bacterial infections effectively. The swelling and inflammation caused by pinkeye are reduced with the help of the flavonoids.

Green tea reduces the symptoms of pinkeye with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties (1). Using it three to four times a day can be useful in treating the condition.

What You Need:

  1. Used green tea bags.

How to Use:

  • Refrigerate a couple of used green tea bags.
  • Please close your eyes and place the cool tea bags on them.
  • Let it stay for 20 minutes.

See More: Best Methods to Get Rid of Dark Circle and Puffy Eyes

5. Use Lubricating Eye Drops:

Lubricating eye drops can help to flush out all the allergens, irritants, and discharge, relieving you from the swelling and irritation, making it one of the best home remedies for pinkeye.

Make sure you buy the ones that are labeled artificial tears or lubricating drops. You can refrigerate the eyedrops, which give your eyes a soothing feel.

6. Avoid Touching Eyes:

When you have pinkeye, it is always suggested that touching or rubbing your eyes as touching may make the condition worse—washing your eyes thoroughly before and after if you have to touch your eyes.

Using fresh towels and sheets can be a solution since some pinkeye types are contagious and transmit to others.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar and Pink Eye:

Although there is no scientific proof to back up the claim, the antimicrobial and antioxidant effects of apple cider vinegar make it one of the best home remedies for pinkeye. Topical application of diluted apple cider vinegar topically may relieve you from the itching and irritation caused by Conjunctivitis.

What You Need:

  1. One tbsp of apple cider vinegar.
  2. One bowl of water.
  3. One soft cloth.

How to Use:

  • Mix the apple cider vinegar to the bowl of water.
  • Dip the cloth into the bowl and squeeze all the excess water.
  • Place the cloth over your eyes and leave it there for five to ten minutes.

Caution: Make sure not to put apple cider vinegar directly into your eyes since it may cause irritation and burning. Consult your doctor before trying this home remedy.

8. Breast Milk and Pink Eye:

Breast milk is considered one of the best quick fixes to treat newborns and adults’ various health conditions (2). The antibiotic properties of breast milk make it one of the best home remedies to treat pinkeye. Breast milk eliminates pathogens from the root with its probiotic property.

What You Need:

  1. Few drops of breast milk.

How to Use:

  • Place a few drops of breast milk into the affected eye.
  • Let it stay and blink away.
  • Using this remedy once or twice a day can be useful.

When to Consult the Doctor:

Pinkeye or Conjunctivitis can result from inflammation in your eyes and is often resolved within two weeks. If the condition of your eyes has not improved after using these home remedies, consult your doctor.

If you observe any of the following symptoms, call your physician immediately:

  • Change in vision.
  • Pain.
  • Fever.

The key to treat pinkeye or Conjunctivitis to avoid complications is early treatment. With the help of the home remedies for pinkeye mentioned in this article, you will be able to soothe the irritation caused by the infection. But if you find pinkeye on an infant, make sure to get it checked by a doctor before there is permanent damage to the vision. Make sure you are incredibly cautious when you are using these remedies. Don’t forget to let us know if you found the home remedies were helpful!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes and not a replacement for professional advice. Ensure you consult a doctor before you try any new remedies, and the website is not responsible for the side effects.

FAQ:

1. What are the Different Types of Pinkeye?

  • Viral Conjunctivitis: It is generally caused by viral infections and can be contagious.
  • Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Generally affects only one eye; a bacterial infection causes this type of pinkeye.
  • Allergic Conjunctivitis: This type of infection is triggered by allergies affecting both the eyes.
  • Ophthalmia Neonatorum: Newborns are most affected by this type of disease, usually very severe.
  • Giant Papillary: This type of pink eye is generally triggered by using contact lenses for extended periods.

2. How Long Does a Pink Eye Last?

The duration of the pinkeye depends upon the root cause of the infection. If the cause of pinkeye is a bacterial infection, it will subside in a few days, and using an antibiotic doesn’t let it spread to others. This eye infection usually lasts for three days to a few weeks.

3. Is It Safe to Use Over-The-Counter Treatments for Pink Eye?

Ans: There are many over-the-counter medications available to treat pinkeye. Addressing the root cause is essential when the infection is caused by pollen or allergic substances. You can get soothing relief from some of the symptoms of pinkeye by using eye drops.

Saanvi

About Saanvi

Saanvi Sharma is an excellent web content writer in health and nutrition. Her expertise in the subject stems from in-depth research and knowledge that she gained over the years. Her interest in science coupled with a bachelor's degree in biotechnology proves as an added advantage and further adds value to her writing. She is highly interested in science, thus writing quality content became her virtue.
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