How to Treat Pink Eye Naturally

How to Treat Pink Eye Naturally

Brittni Devlin |Mar 29, 2021

Top 3 Pink Eye Natural Remedies

There are many notorious diseases that spread easily and quickly. While they are not all life-threatening, many of these illnesses cause pain or discomfort people want to avoid. Luckily, common diseases, like pink eye, are very treatable and don’t pose much risk. There are many effective remedies you can even try right in your own home.

What Is Pink Eye?

Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, refers to the infection or swelling of the tissue that frames your eyelids. This area of the eye, the conjunctiva, is full of tiny blood vessels that are barely noticeable most of the time. However, when inflammation occurs, it exaggerates the vessels and makes the eyes have a reddish or pink appearance.

Redness is a trademark symptom of pink eye, but it is not the only sign of the disease. In addition to discoloration in the whites of one’s eyes, individuals may also experience other symptoms in their eyes, including:

  • Itchiness
  • Grittiness
  • Tearing
  • Discharge

Some of these symptoms may result in a crust forming on the eye that can make it challenging to open them.

What Causes Pink Eye?

Many different events can cause pink eye. To better understand this, consider that “pink eye” is a broad term that classifies several different phenomena. For the most part, pink eye is the result of bacterial or viral infections. It can also be caused by allergens, blocked tear ducts, or deformities (especially in newborns and infants).

It’s important to note that depending on the cause of pink eye, the disease may be highly contagious. While pink eye from things such as allergens or incomplete tear ducts are not contagious, individuals may spread infections through contact.

A physician’s evaluation is needed to determine the exact cause of pink eye. If there is concern about a contagious state of the disease, consider disinfecting contaminated articles to reduce the spread.

Reducing the Spread of Pink Eye

Reducing the spread of pink eye is crucial to keep your household clean. Practicing regular personal hygiene goes a long way. Even if you are not in direct contact with someone suffering from pink eye, you should wash your hands often and avoid touching your face.

You should also regularly wash your clothes, towels, and pillowcases. Avoid sharing cosmetics, washcloths, and any other personal hygiene products. If you contracted pink eye, immediately wash any items you’ve been in contact with. Dispose of any products used directly on your eye (e.g., mascara or eyeliner) and refrain from using contacts until the infection cleared. You can still wear glasses but disinfect them.

Are There Natural Remedies for Pink Eye?

Although there are pharmaceutical interventions to address severe cases of pink eye, there are many natural remedies one may try. In many cases, you just need to wait for pink eye to “run its course.” Treatments involve reducing symptoms for comfort. Top home remedies doctors often recommend include:

  • Artificial tears — these can be purchased over the counter and help alleviate the irritation
  • Regular rinsing — washing out eyes and keeping them clean reduces build-up that prohibits you from opening your eyes
  • Warm compresses — apply several times a day to help break up the build-up and reduce swelling

Most cases do not require further treatment; however, if symptoms persist, you may need antibiotic drops available only through prescription.

When Should I Visit a Doctor?

It is a wise idea to visit a doctor whenever you or your loved one experience any troubling symptoms. Trained medical care physicians are educated to help keep their patients safe and direct you towards the most effective treatment options available.

Pink eye shares many symptoms with other, more severe diseases, so it is important that you have a doctor examine you to make sure that your distress is not a sign of another illness. It’s especially important to keep this in mind if your symptoms are accompanied by light sensitivity, vision disturbances, pain, or feeling like something is lodged in your eye.

It’s highly recommended that you should make an appointment with your doctor if symptoms do not disappear on their own after 12 hours.

Remember that just because something is natural or homeopathic does not mean the treatment is for everyone. Even some holistic interventions have side effects or interactions you should discuss with your doctor. Your doctor can recommend some natural treatments that are safe and effective for you or your loved one.

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