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Have you been witnessing redness around your pupils? Has it been consistently itching and watering? Chances are you are suffering from Pink Eye. Now, you must be here wondering, how does the home remedies for pink eye even work? And does it even work well in the first place?
Pink eye is a very serious condition which needs immediate medical attention, failing which can even end up affecting the vision negatively.
In this article, we are going to be discussing about the common grounds of natural remedies for pink eye that actually does work.
What Is Pink Eye And How Does It Look Like?
In medical terms, Pink Eye is often just described as something that makes the eyes appear red and inflamed. If people opinions are to be taken, majority of the people tend to confer Pink Eye as the condition which is medically termed as Infectious Conjunctivitis which comes along and affects the victim with a plethora or signs and symptoms.
Discharges from the eyes are one of the most common signs that you are infected with either the virus, bacteria or even just any form of allergy. Whatever the condition be, it is important to understand that the same is actually infectious which is why it is necessary to steer clear off of direct human contact and indulge in treatments, be it by a professional or even with the pink eye remedies.
Pink eye normally is characterized by the presence of dark red coloured pupils and inflammation in the perimeter of the eyes. Not just that, often times, even there is visible presence of fluid discharge followed by constant itching in the eyes.
Home Remedies for Pink Eye
Whatever the condition be, there are home remedies and alternative medicine for every single kind of problem, even for pink eye. If you have been wondering how and what kind of remedies will naturally cure pink eye, we have a long list of remedies that can come in handy for when you need it.
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Check Out These Effective Home Remedies for Pink Eye.
1. Salt Water Eye Wash for Pink Eye
Saline solution is perfect as an eyewash to get rid of a pink eye fast. Even if the cause is not uprooted completely, it actually does help quite a lot with getting rid of the fluid discharge and the hardened accumulation of the same which often makes it harder to see.
The salt water remedy primarily works because of the fact that it possesses amazing antiseptic and mild antimicrobial properties (R) which aid in getting rid of any form of infection in the eyes. The only downside to it is the fact that the process sure does sting your eyes, because, after all, you are applying salt to your eyes.
What To Do?
- Mix 1 tablespoon of salt in a pot of boiling distilled water
- Once everything has dissolved, let it cool down completely
- Using a dropper apply a few drops to each eye multiple times throughout the day
How Often?
- Multiple times throughout the day
2. Coconut Oil for Pink Eye
Pink eye often inflicts dryness and inflammation in and around the eyes. This is something that can effectively be cured using coconut oil, primarily because of the fact that this edible oil is loaded with beneficial anti-inflammatory (R) and antimicrobial (R) properties which work together to get rid of the condition effectively.
Because of the fact that there are very limited studies concerning this, it is always best to avoid putting the coconut oil directly into the eyes and restrict its application to just the perimeter of the eyes. It helps moisturize the dryness of the eyes and gets rid of the inflammation gradually.
What To Do?
- Melt some coconut oil to make the application easier
- Make sure it is not warm or hot
- Using your fingers, apply the oil on the perimeter of the eyes
- Leave it on and let it soak into the skin to moisturize the surrounding area
How Often?
- 3-4 times daily
3. Apple Cider Vinegar for Pink Eye
If you have been here wondering about how to treat pink eye at home, apple cider vinegar can actually be an amazing remedy for the same. Because of the fact that apple cider vinegar is loaded with antimicrobial (R) and anti-inflammatory (R) properties, it acts beautifully to get rid of the irritation, inflammation as well as the pain that often accompanies the condition.
The only disclaimer is to ensure that the apple cider vinegar is applied in the perimeter of the eyes and used as a solution to wipe out the remnants of the
What To Do?
- Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water in a bowl
- Dip a cotton pad in the solution and dab it over your eyes
- Clean the fluid secretion and place the cotton pad over the eyes for a few minutes
How Often?
- Do this multiple times throughout the day
4. Breast Milk for Pink Eye
Breast milk or even just milk, in general, plays an amazing role in pink eye treatment. Both the cold as well as hot compress using breast milk or normal cow milk can inflict soothing effects on the eyes and get rid of the building infection (R) that is causing the problem in the first place.
What To Do?
- Either cold or warm milk can be taken in a bowl
- Soak some cotton pads or cotton balls into the liquid and wring out the excess milk
- Place these pads over the eyes and leave them on for a few minutes
- Just in case if you are using warm milk, make sure to test out the temperature first to ensure that you don’t end up burning yourself
How Often?
- 2-3 times every day
5. Boric Acid Eyewash for Pink Eye
Boric acid is not something foreign because the same has actually been used extensively in several eye drops for the treatment of the pink eye and other kinds of eye problems. It possesses antiseptic properties (R) which is what comes in handy for the treatment of the condition. It also helps to soften up any kind of hard deposition in the eyes because of the fluid discharge.
What To Do?
- Mix 1 tablespoon of boric acid to a pot of boiling water
- Cool down the solution completely and then use this to flush out the infection causing elements from the eyes
How Often?
- Do this multiple times throughout the day for effective results
6. Aloe Vera for Pink Eye
Aloe vera is known for its healing and soothing properties which is what aids in healing the condition of the pink eye as well. If you have been witnessing initial symptoms of infectious conjunctivitis, it is best to opt for aloe vera to help with the irritation as well as the inflammation (R) that accompanies the condition.
Because of the fact that aloe vera is loaded with beneficial soothing and anti-inflammatory (R) properties, it actually helps naturally cure pink eye. Aloe vera also doesn’t have any negative impacts on the cornea which is an added bonus.
What To Do?
- Cut and aloe vera leaf and extract the pulp
- Make a thin and smooth juice out of the extract
- Apply the aloe vera juice in the eyes using a dropper and then wash everything out with some normal water
How Often?
- Do this multiple times throughout the day
7. Colloidal Silver for Pink Eye
Colloidal Silver might not seem like a very likely option as one of the pink eye remedies but the same actually does provide with amazing results. Because of the fact that there are not a lot of clinical trials or studies concerning this field, it is always best to be wary of what steps and remedies you opt for.
While many people who have used colloidal silver for pink eye have reported with positive results, there are still confusions about its benefits. That being said, colloidal silver does possess antimicrobial as well as antiseptic properties (R) whose combined benefits is what helps get rid of the infection and the inflammation too.
What To Do?
- Using a dropper, pour one drop of colloidal silver in each eye
- Leave it in for a few minutes and then wash everything off with some water
How Often?
- 1-2 times daily
8. Chamomile Tea for Pink Eye
Often times, it is believed that the pollens of chamomile (R) are one of the primary causes behind the condition of conjunctivitis or pink eye but it is also witnessed that the chamomile tea actually does benefit the condition as well.
The antiseptic (R), soothing as well as mild antimicrobial properties (R) does aid in healing the problem of pink eye from within. If you have been wondering how to get the same in check, it is always best to stick with teabags because not only are they easy and efficient but hassle free too.
What To Do?
- Soak a chamomile teabag in a cup of hot water for 5-10 minutes
- Cool it a little bit ensuring that the teabag is not piping hot but warm at the same time
- Apply this tea bag over the eyes and leave it on till it turns cold
- Alternatively, you can also use the steeped tea to clean your eyes every once in a while
How Often?
- Multiple times throughout the day
9. Green Teabags for Pink Eye
Yet another one of the amazing home remedies for pink eye is using green teabags. Not only are they loaded with bioflavonoids, but they also have an essential compound known as catechins and tannins which actually does impose antimicrobial (R) and soothing properties, both of which have beneficial impacts in treating pink eye.
Green teabags also help in reducing the inflammation and the constant irritation and itching that one feels because of the pink eye.
What To Do?
- Soak a green teabag in a cup of hot water
- Let it steep for 5 minutes
- Use this teabag to simply just put over your eyes and leave them on for a few minutes
- You can also use the steeped tea for eye wash
How Often?
- Multiple times throughout the day
10. Garlic for Pink Eye
It is actually the active compound in the garlic, allicin which not just has antimicrobial (R) properties but antioxidant (R) properties too which comes a lot in handy when it comes to healing a pink eye from within. It helps in completely clearing up the infection which is what one needs to cure pink eye.
While you may be wondering if or not garlic is even safe for topical application and especially on the eyelids, the same is actually not harmful at all and can easily be used as a remedy for pink eye treatment.
What To Do?
- Peel and wash a garlic clove
- Cut a slice out of it and let the juice come out
- Apply this over the infected eyelid/s and leave it on for 15-20 minutes
- Wash it off once done
How Often?
- Multiple times throughout the day
11. Honey for Pink Eye
Honey been used in the treatment of infections since way back in history. The main reason behind the same is because of the wide range of antimicrobial (R) and antibiotic (R) properties which help fight off the growth of any form infection in the eyes that is worsening the condition.
The honey eye wash not just helps alleviate the inflammation but is quite beneficial in speeding up the healing process quite effectively.
What To Do?
- To a saucepan, add 2 cups of water and 3 tablespoons of honey
- Dissolve everything and bring this solution to a boil
- Once it comes to a boil, switch off the heat and let it completely cool off
- Apply this as an eye wash
How Often?
- Do this multiple times throughout the day for beneficial impacts
12. Potato Slices for Pink Eye
Potato is believed to not just hydrate the perimeter of the eyes but also fights off the probable condition behind the infection which is an added bonus. That being said, while there are not much scientific evidences to back these claims up, it is actually beneficial to understand for a fact that using potato slices actually does work to treat pink eye at home.
What To Do?
- Wash some potatoes under running water, ensuring to get rid of all the dirt
- Cut them up in half inch slices
- Apply it over the eyes and leave them on
- Leave them for 10-15 minutes and discard the slice
How Often?
- 3-4 times daily
13. Cucumber Slices for Pink Eye
Much like that of the potato slices, cucumber slices are also believed to be one of the best natural remedies for pink eye. For the most part, the most common sign and symptoms of pink eye is the irritation, redness and the lack of proper hydration in the eyes. Often times, the fluid discharge ends up being solid and crusty if not cleared up from time to time.
The cucumber slices help with just that. Not only does it help in getting rid of the irritation and itching, it also aids in providing the eyes with a soothing feeling which helps to cure pink eye at home effectively.
What To Do?
- Wash the cucumber properly
- Cut them into thick slices and place them on the eyes
- Leave it on for 10-20 minutes
- Using a clean cloth wipe off the crusty fluid discharge
How Often?
- Multiple times throughout the day
14. Goldenseal for Pink Eye
Goldenseal is one of the underrated herb plants that actually do have amazing astringent properties in them. Not just that, it also possesses effective antimicrobial as well as anti-inflammatory properties which further aid in getting rid of the causes behind the pink eye.
The active compound in Goldenseal, Berberine is what aids in getting rid of the pink eye by fighting off any form of lingering infection and bacterial interaction. This can either be used as an eye wash or even as an eye drop.
What To Do?
- To a cup of boiled water, add 2 tablespoons of goldenseal
- Let it steep and make a concoction of it
- Using clean cotton pads or balls, wipe your eyes with them
- You can even soak a cotton ball and apply it over the eyes and leave it on
- Leave it on for 15 minutes
How Often?
- Multiple times throughout the day
15. Hot and Cold Compress for Pink Eye
Pink eye or Infectious conjunctivitis often times end up affecting our quality of time because of the wide range of accessory symptoms that one experiences because of this condition. Irritation, redness, swelling and the constant itching are the common issues behind pink eye which can actually be healed with either cold or even hot compress.
The compress actually does aid in getting rid of these accessory symptoms and thus help in getting rid of the discomfort accompanying it.
What To Do?
- Be it hot or even cold compress; press it down gently on the eyes
- Leave it on for 10-15 minutes
How Often?
- Do this multiple times throughout the entire day
What Causes Pink Eye?
Pink Eye is mainly an infection borne condition which can be attributed to a number of causes, the microbial interaction being the major problem. Whatever the condition be, it is necessary to note that the range of pink eye causes skirt around the primary three which we are going to be talking about.
The top three Pink eye causes include:
- Viral Conjunctivitis: This is primarily caused because of the viral infection and the common cold is the primary underlying health ailment that gives rise to this problem. Because of the fact that this specific infection is caused by the virus, it is effectively more contagious and tends to get cleared up within a few days on its own without any other form of medical attention but if you want to speed up the recovery, it is best to opt for some form of treatment.
- Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Just as the name suggests, it is caused by the bacterial infection inflicted in the eyes. Because of the fact that they are caused by bacteria, they can be quite problematic for the eyes and the overall vision if the same is left untreated. It is very important to get the same checked out for immediate medical attention to get rid of the problem right from the root of it.
- Allergic Conjunctivitis: This is one of those causes that are not necessarily caused by a microbe but something that triggers the allergic reaction in a number of people. Some of the potent factors contributing to allergic conjunctivitis include seasonal pollen, dust or something that causes allergic reactions.
Signs and Symptoms of Pink Eye
Now that we have cleared out the common causes behind Pink Eye, let us divert our focus on the signs and symptoms associated with this eye condition.
Because of the fact that the causes and vectors for each type of conjunctivitis is different, sometimes, even their symptoms tend to vary which is why it is better if we just mention the list of signs and symptoms in 3 different sections.
Viral Conjunctivitis Symptoms
- Watery
- Itchy Eyes
- Photosensitivity
- Highly contagious
- Redness in the eyes
- Fluid discharge (may or maybe not)
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
- Discharge of sticky yellow or greenish coloured fluid from the eyes. This discharge can sometimes even be a lot severe to make the eyelids stick together if not cleaned in regular intervals
- Redness around the pupils
- Irritation and consistent itching
- Contagious with direct contact
Allergic Conjunctivitis
- Watery eyes
- Itching in the eyes
- Stuffiness and runny nose
- Photosensitivity
- Not contagious
- Redness in the eyes
Is Pink Eye Contagious?
When it comes to the question of whether or not Pink Eye is contagious, the answer is yes, it is. It depends on the kind of conjunctivitis you are affected with. If your conjunctivitis is primarily caused because of any form of microbe induced infection, it is most likely going to be contagious. This is the primary reason why the allergic conjunctivitis isn’t contagious.
How Does it Spread?
Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, primarily spreads through the direct contact with someone who is already affected. If you have been thinking how can infection from the eyes come in direct contact with me, right?
Well, if the infected person rubs their eyes with their hands and you are in contact with the hand, chances are it might spread to your eyes. Not just that, even using the infected clothing or any kind of things of the infected person imposes risks of you contracting the disease.
How Long Does it Take for Pink Eye to Spread?
This is a question that doesn’t necessarily have a standard answer to it. The same can happen and infect the individual instantly or even take days to actually incubate their germs to cause and proliferate the infection to showcase visible signs and symptoms of pink eye.
How to Prevent Pink Eye?
When it comes to the prevention modes for conjunctivitis, the possibilities are quite extensive. This is one of those diseases that doesn’t need prevention methods from preventing it from happening but needs equal impactful preventive measures from it to spread any further. If you have been wondering how to prevent pink eye symptoms, we have some ways for you to look into.
Before starts
- Preventing pink eye right from happening includes the following measures:
- Wash your hands every time you come from outside
- Try and avoid sharing clothes or other personal items with other people
- Cover up your nose and mouth while you are about to sneeze. Alternatively, if you see someone consistently sneezing without covering their nose and mouth, instruct them to do so.
- Avoid sharing of content lenses with friends or even family
- Keep a hand disinfectant handy with you at all times in case you don’t have modes to wash your hands
- If you are allergic to pollens, dust, it is always best to avoid situations where you have the probability of being exposed to the same
- Wear goggles when swimming or in water because even the water can contain harmful microbes that can cause infection
From spreading
- Avoid using the clothing or any personal item of someone infected and even abstain yourself from sharing the clothing and such if you are infected
- Wear black shade to keep your eyes covered at all times
- Don’t stay in direct contact with a lot of people till the infection cures completely
- Sneeze or a cough with your mouth closed at all times
When to See a Doctor for Pink Eye?
When it comes to when to see a doctor for the condition of Pink Eye, the answer is as soon as possible. While viral conjunctivitis and allergic conjunctivitis don’t necessarily inflict negative implications on the eyes and vision, bacterial conjunctivitis can inflict adverse impacts on your overall vision and eyes.
While it is not mandatory that you will be affected with bacterial conjunctivitis, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Get the issue checked out and if it is something else, at least you will be assured of the same and administer the remedies accordingly.
Food for Thought with Some FAQs
1: How long does pink eye last?
A: If your pink eye is caused by a viral or allergic reaction, the same heal itself within a few days or even within two weeks time. But, if the same is caused by some form of bacterial infection, it can even take up to a month or so to completely heal.
2: Can pink eye go away without treatment?
A: As mentioned before, viral and allergy induced conjunctivitis can actually be healed by itself without any kind of added treatment while bacterial conjunctivitis actually does need immediate medical attention for it to heal completely.
For the most part, sometimes even just the home remedies for pink eye are just more than enough to heal and cure the condition from within. It is always best to opt for the preventive measures rather than suffering it. We definitely hope these above mentioned remedies come in handy for you to get rid of a pink eye fast.
