Conjunctivitis - Pink Eye Remedies

Here is a list of pink eye remedies and home treatment for allergic conjunctivitis, bacterial conjunctivitis and viral conjunctivitis.

Pink eye or conjunctivitis is an eye inflammation. When the conjunctiva or the mucous membranes that line the infer surface of the eyelids and the front of the eyeball are irritated and infected, pink eye symptoms will surface.

Conjunctivitis that is caused by bacteria such as streptococcus and staphylococcus and virus are highly contagious. Allergic conjunctivitis is noninfectious and could have been caused by any substances that have irritated the conjunctiva such as air pollution, chlorine from the swimming pool, pollen, smoke and ultraviolet light.

Conjunctivitis symptoms may include burning, itching, red eyes, sensitivity to light, swelling and tearing. If the eyes excrete discharge or mucus, it's likely that it's a bacterial or viral conjunctivitis. The most common symptom of allergic conjunctivitis is itching and swelling.

Try any of the home remedy for pink eye listed below for treating conjunctivitis.

Pink eye remedies No. 1 - Apply Ice pack

You can soothe the itching caused by allergic conjunctivitis by placing a wet cloth that has been soaked and wrung in cold water on the eyelids. Place an ice pack if there is swelling caused by allergic conjunctivitis.

Pink eye remedies No. 2 - Hot water compress

Applying a hot compress or hot water bottle on the eyes caused by bacterial conjunctivitis will raise the temperature and bring fresh blood to the eyes. Adding honey to the hot water would also help as a conjunctivitis treatment. Make sure that the heat is comfortable enough. At a certain temperature, the germs may find it difficult to survive. A hot compress also helps relaxes the muscles around the eyes. You can use also milk instead of water.

Pink eye remedies No. 3 - Herbal tea compress

Green tea contains polyphenols in high amounts and one of them is tannin. Tannin acts as an astringent and it helps reduce swelling which are usually common if you have allergic conjunctivitis. Bacterial conjunctivitis and viral conjunctivitis normally produce discharge or mucus and tannin may help reduce it. If your eyes itch, a cool herbal tea compress may help provide relief.

Put 2 green tea bags in a hot water. Once you can bear the heat, place the tea bags on your eyelids until you feel the heat diminishing. Get an eye cup and use the tea as an eye wash. If you don't have a cup, soak a thin and clean wash cloth, wring it and gently wash your eyes. Other herbal teas that are equally effective as treatment for pink eye are black tea, chamomile flower tea and eyebright tea.

Pink eye remedies No. 4 - Honey and milk

Honey has antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Milk provides a soothing effect. Both combined act as natural cures for pink eye. Stir equal amount of honey and warm milk and then use the mixture to wash your eyes either using an eye cup or a cotton ball. You can also treat it as an eye drop and drip a few drops into your eyes several times a day. Another way to use honey and milk for pink eye treatment is to make a compress using a cloth or cotton pad and placing on your eyes.

Pink eye remedies No. 5 - Apple cider vinegar

One of the compounds present in organic and pure apple cider vinegar with the "mother" is malic acid. Malic acid is able to fight bacterial infections. When you have eye infections such as conjunctivitis, dilute a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water, wet a cotton ball and wash your eyes with the solution.

Pink eye remedies No. 6 - Protect your eyes

Avoid touching your eyes especially if the pink eye is caused by bacteria or virus because it is very contagious. And wash your hands before and after you touch your eyes. It's also important to ensure that you don't share personal belongings such as handkerchiefs and towels.

When you are having conjunctivitis, avoid sunlight and other irritants such as chlorine, dust, pollen and smoke. If you go outdoors wear a pair of sunglasses. Closing your eyes as much as you can will give them a rest.

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