Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) : Symptoms, Causes And Home Remedies

Are you facing difficulty in opening your eyes? Have they turned pink with crusts of discharge over your eyelashes? You have contracted Pink Eye or Conjunctivitis. It is one of the common eye infections caused by bacteria or virus. It is characterized by severe irritation and itching in the eyes, along with swelling, redness and other painful symptoms. “Madras eye” is the conversational term used for conjunctivitis in India. However, you don’t have to worry too much about it! These home remedies for pink eye can offer soothing relief and help you recover fast from this condition.

Table Of Content:

• Causes Of Pink Eye
• Symptoms Of Conjunctivitis
• Prevention Of Pink Eye
• Best Natural Remedies For Pink Eye
• Frequently Asked Questions

Causes Of Pink Eye:

Pink Eye is caused by microbes like bacteria or virus enter the eye and infect it. The other causes of Pink Eye are:

• Allergic reactions
• Entry of Foreign particles in the eye
• Chemical products
• Blocked tear ducts in infants
• Contaminated contact lens
• Physical contact with an infected person

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Symptoms of Conjunctivitis:

Here are some of the most common symptoms experienced during a Pink eye or Conjunctivitis:

• Redness in Eye
• Swelling of Eyes
• Grainy feeling in the eyes
• Difficulty in closing or opening eyes
• Sticky discharge in the eyes
• Blurry vision
• Excessive tearing
• Crusts on eyelids after sleeping

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Prevention of Pink eye:

While it is difficult to prevent Pink Eye, you can follow these precautions to avoid spreading it to others:

Avoid touching your eyes with your hands. In case of contact, wash your hands with soap, followed by a hand sanitizer.

• Use a clean, cotton cloth to wipe your eyes
• Do not share towels, eyeglass or personal items with others
• Wash your pillowcases in hot water to kill the microbes
• Do not wear contact lenses and even if you did, discard them
• Put away all your eye cosmetics till symptoms subside

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Best Natural Remedies For Pink Eye:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar
2. Chamomile
3. Breast Milk
4. Honey
5. Potato
6. Fennel Seeds
7. Teas

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Home Remedies To Treat Conjunctivitis:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar:

One of the popular home remedies to cure pink eye is ACV. Applying apple cider vinegar gives instant relief during conjunctivitis infection. Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in water and dip the cotton ball in this solution and apply in the corners and around the eyes. You can also squeeze some solution in the eyes. Even though it hurts and burns, this treatment is considered to be the mother of all cures!

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See Also: Black Eye Remedies

2. Chamomile:

Chamomile is a natural treatment for Pink Eye. Take about one teaspoon of dried chamomile flower and add it to one cup of boiled water. Thereafter cool and strain the solution and use it as an eyewash. It helps in reliving pink eye symptoms and this solution can even be used for compress.

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3. Breast milk:

Breast milk is considered to be one of the best home remedies for pink eye in infants. In case there is no lactating mother in the house, a few drops of raw goat or cow milk can also be used. The probiotic property in the milk helps in eliminating the pathogens right from the source. This treatment can be repeated hourly for quick relief.

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See Also: Foods To Increase Brest Milk

4. Honey:

Honey is an excellent home remedy owing to its antibiotic and antibacterial properties. It can be applied directly to the infected eye or you can make an effective eyewash by mixing 3 tablespoons of honey in 2 cups water. Boil this mixture while stirring continuously and allow it to cool. This eyewash can be used several times a day. In this treatment, milk can also be used in place of water.

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5. Potato:

Potato has natural astringent properties, making it one of the effective home remedies to get rid of pink eye. Slice raw potato and place on the infected eye to reduce swelling. You can also make a poultice with potato extract and use it directly on the eyes. Leave it on for about 20 minutes and wash off. Continue this treatment for three days to naturally cure conjunctivitis.

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6. Fennel Seeds:

Easily available on your kitchen shelves, using fennel seeds is one of the best herbal remedies to get rid of pink eye. Boil fennel seeds in water and cool the mixture thereafter. Use it as an eyewash to get quick relief. The antibacterial properties of Fennel seeds help in killing the infection causing bacteria and help in treating pink eye symptoms.

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7. Teas:

Green and black teas are known to contain flavonoids that effectively fight bacterial and viral infections, besides reducing inflammation. Use a moist tea bag on the infected eyes for a few minutes about 3-4 times every day to cure the infection. A mild solution of tea can also be used as an eyewash. This is one of the popular home remedies for pink eye in adults.

Now that you have learnt these home remedies for pink eye, it’s time to try them for improving your condition. You must note that these are not scientifically proven and are a result of experimentation by many patients. Since you are dealing with a sensitive part like the eye, you must take extreme caution in dealing with these remedies. Also, these methods are not a replacement or alternative to your medications.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How Long Does a Pink Eye Last?

Pink eye is an eye infection that can last for a few days to up to a few weeks. The duration of the infection depends on what causes it. A pink eye caused by minor bacterial infections usually subsides within a couple of days. However, once the antibiotic treatment starts, these infections do not spread to others.

2. Can I Take Over-The-Counter Treatments for Pink Eye?

Pink eye is treated as a common problem for which many over-the-counter medications are available. Certain infections caused by pollen or allergic substances usually don’t go away unless the root cause is addressed. However, taking eye drops containing antihistamines can offer soothing relief from the painful symptoms.

3. What is The Best way to Prevent Pink Eye From Spreading to Others?

The best way to prevent pink eye is to avoid moving around in public and keeping yourself into indoors till symptoms subside. You can wear tinted glasses to protect your eyes from further damage and also to avoid contact with others. Following certain precautions can keep your family protected from these infections.

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