Conjunctivitis is the swelling or inflammation of the outermost layer of the eyes called conjunctiva due to virus, bacterial infection, irritants, or allergies. In North America, it is commonly called as ‘Pink Eye’ whereas in India it is called ‘Madras eye.’
Pink eye or conjunctivitis usually subsides on its own without medication and lasts for about 3 to 5 days and in some cases even up to 7 days. In most cases, pink eye is the result of viral infection, so antibiotics don’t really work and the virus has to run through its course of 5 to 7 days, but home remedies go a long way in easing the symptoms of pink eye or conjunctivitis and helping the sufferers. In this article, we will be touching base upon cures for pink eye or conjunctivitis at home and the do’s and don’ts if you are infected with it.
The Most Common Symptoms Of Pink Eye Or Conjunctivitis Are:
- Incessant itching in the eye
- An uneasy feeling of a foreign particle lodged inside the eye.
- Thick yellowish discharge that forms a crust, most prominent after sleep.
- An increase in the amount of tears.
- Vision tends to get blurred.
- Heightened sensitivity to light.
Cures For Pink Eye or Conjunctivitis At Home:
Listed below are some of the home remedies that can ease the symptoms of pink eye or conjunctivitis:
- Warm Salt Water Soaks An Effective Remedy To Ease The Suffering Of Pink Eye: A clean piece of cloth (lint free) soaked in warm water (preferably with salt) can be placed on top of the eyes for five to ten minutes at a stretch to provide relief.
- Raw Garlic Clove: Eating a piece of raw garlic clove a day can help reduce the intensity of the irritation.
- Coconut Oil: A couple of drops of coconut oil can also be applied just prior to sleep. It reduces the formation of crust in and around the eyes due to the yellowish discharge.
- Tea Bags: Tea bags dipped in hot water (put in chopped pieces of garlic if possible) mixed with honey can be used as eye compress which will provide instant relief.
- Treating Pink Eye With Turmeric: Turmeric has proven medicinal qualities. One can mix one spoon of turmeric powder and salt in one cup of hot water. Dip a lint free cloth in it and use it to cleanse the crust and rub all around the eyes. The lint free cloth dipped in this solution can be used as an eye compress. Remember to change the used cloth after every use.
- Cold Milk: Cold milk can be used by splashing it to cleanse the eye and its surroundings.
- Fennel Seeds For Treating Pink Eye: Fennel seeds which are handy and is there at home are also good to treat conjunctivitis, they should be boiled, then cooled subsequently and thereafter be used to wash your eye or splashing it over the eyes. It is a very good way in dealing with pink eye or conjunctivitis.
- Honey For Pink Eye or Conjunctivitis: Add 3 tbsp of honey (pure) to 2 cups of boiled water, let it cool. Stir to dissolve. It works good when is used like an eye wash many times in a day. We know honey has got anti-bacterial property which reduces infection, and thereby conjunctivitis or pink eye.
- Potato For Healing Pink Eye or Conjunctivitis: Potato happens to be having natural astringent properties and can be useful for an effective treatment of pink eye or conjunctivitis. Slice of potato when placed on the affected eye can help in curing or easing the symptoms of pink eye or conjunctivitis. Alternatively, you can grate the potato and make a poultice to be used on the infected eye for curing the infection. This poultice has to be left for 20 minutes before removing it. Continue this treatment for 3 continuous days, to naturally cure conjunctivitis.
- Chamomile Powder to heal Pink Eye or Conjunctivitis: A teaspoon of dried flower of chamomile added to one cup of boil and cooled water and thereafter strained and applied like an eye wash is very effective for conjunctivitis or pink eye. This decoction can also be used as a compress
- Curing Pink Eye or Conjunctivitis Naturally with Elder Berry Blossom Tea: Elder berry blossom tea can also be used as an eye wash for curing conjunctivitis or pink eye syndrome. It is one of the best remedies available at hand.
- Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera which happens to be a wonder plant, has lot of healing properties. Juice of Aloe Vera when soaked in a piece of plain cloth and placed on the infected eyes or eye is very effective for curing pink eye or conjunctivitis. It can also be used like an eye wash.
- Heal Pink Eye Sooner with Marigold: Known for its anti-septic and anti-inflammatory properties, compress made with marigold extract can cure conjunctivitis or pink eye fast and effectively.
- Putting a drop of oil (castor) in the infected eye 3 times in a day helps cure pink eye or conjunctivitis naturally.
Pink Eye or Conjunctivitis Do’s and Don’ts:
- Apart from seeking medical guidance as to the application of topical antibiotics and anti-histamine, certain self-care measures such as splashing water and occasional warm compress may be effective.
- The compress applied with the help of sterilized cotton pad should tolerably be warm rather than being too hot or too cold.
- Pink Eye or Conjunctivitis is highly contagious in nature, so utmost care should be taken to disinfect hands and towels after touching and wiping the same with the infected eye.
- One is required to avoid fingering or touching the conjunctivitis infected eye. Any form of physical contact with the infected eye, other than those needed for splashing and applying warm compress should be avoided.
- In cases of scratchy or itchy feelings which is one of the symptoms of pink eye or conjunctivitis, the use of tissue paper to gently brush the eye may be resorted to.
- During the period of conjunctivitis infection eyes should be saved from their possible exposure to the harmful ultra violet rays of sun. In case someone needs to go out, the infected eye should be protected with protective sun glasses.
- Utmost rest is required to be given to the Pink Eye or Conjunctivitis infected eyes including resisting from the use of eye make-ups and exposure to various types of artificial lights when affected with it.
- Avoid wearing contact lenses if you have been infected with pink eye or conjunctivitis.
- Do not socialize and or go to work or school if you have been infected with pink eye since it is highly contagious. Help others by not spreading the infection to them.
Consult The Doctor If The Problem Still Persists.
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