Home Remedies for Pink Eye

Conjunctivitis or pink eye is a common condition that involves symptoms like eye redness, tearing or swollen lids. Pink eye causes are due to allergic reactions, viral or bacterial infection, or parasites. Diagnosis and treatment depend on the cause. Antibiotics are not always necessary to heal from certain types of conjunctivitis. Although it is advisable to visit your primary doctor, home remedies make a helpful alternative to soothe and treat pink eye symptoms.

Home Remedies

Home remedies can be alternatives to antibiotic use in some cases of pink eye treatment. These can be safe to apply on their own or to complement with prescribed antibiotics. Nonetheless, we encourage you to talk with a healthcare professional before trying pink eye remedies at home.

Compresses

Cold compresses are a soothing method which, by decreasing the blood flow, are helpful to reduce swelling in eye conditions like conjunctivitis.

Make a cold compress by soaking a clean cloth in cool water. If you prefer your compress to be cooler, put it in a plastic bag in the freezer for a couple of minutes.

Tearing and mucus discharge fluids are common pink eye symptoms. Warm compresses are an effective aid to soften and cleanse mucus discharge.

Proceed to make a warm compress by soaking a clean cloth in warm water for a few minutes. Eyelid’s skin is very sensible, to prevent burning, do not use hot water.

Application Method

Apply the preferred compress directly to the eyelid. Make sure to wash the cloth after using it. If conjunctivitis is presented in both eyes, use a different clean cloth for each eye.

Eye Drops 

Dry eyes are one of the causes of having irritation or itching. To soothe this symptom apply lubricating eye drops. Avoid eye drops with extra ingredients, unless you have consulted with your doctor. Lubrication drops will help reduce the redness and the itchy sensation.

Contact Lenses 

Contact lenses increase irritation and dryness in the eyes, therefore avoid using them until you are fully recovered from the pink eye.

Throw away your old contact lenses to prevent a recurrence.

Makeup

Elements like wax, oil, pigment, and minerals which cosmetics are made of can be harmful to your health when dealing with conjunctivitis. It is recommended to avoid makeup during the recovery process.

For hygiene purposes, get rid of makeup products that are possibly contaminated.

Cleansing Routine

Environmental agents or pollution are easily absorbed into the skin throughout the day. Therefore, it is important to incorporate a facial cleansing routine during day and night time. Maintaining the skin clean helps to reduce the accumulation of dry mucus in the eye area.

Preventive Measurements 

Unfortunately, the pink eye is highly contagious. It can be acquired via direct fluid contact or by having contact with contaminated surfaces.

Avoid spreading the infection by following these hygiene tips:

• Wash pillowcases and cloths
• Clean or disinfect prescription glasses (frames)
• Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes
• Wash your hands often

When to consult with a doctor

Pink eye symptoms usually last from one to two weeks, if such persist, reach for medical attention as soon as possible. These symptoms are not exclusively presented on conjunctivitis, meaning they can be an indicator of another illness. 

For conditions like pink eye, medical appointments are necessary to prevent health complications. Here at BASS Urgent Care, we count with experienced healthcare professionals, who will ensure to give you an accurate diagnosis and treatment to provide a successful recovery.

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