Conjunctivitis : 5 home remedies for pink eye - Dos and Don'ts to treat infection quickly

Updated Mar 27, 2019 | 15:54 IST | Anushree Gupta

While the condition conjunctivitis or pink eye often treats on its own, certain treatments and home remedies can accelerate the recovery process and help cure the infection faster.

Conjunctivitis : 5 home remedies for pink eye - Dos and Don'ts to treat infection quickly
Conjunctivitis : 5 home remedies for pink eye - Dos and Don'ts to treat infection quickly  |  Photo Credit: Getty Images

New Delhi: Conjunctivitis is also known as pink eye and is characterized by irritation and inflammation of the conjunctiva, a covering of the white part of the eyeball. The causes of conjunctivitis are bacterial or viral infection or allergies. These are the symptoms of conjunctivitis:

  • Gritty feeling in eyes
  • Itching or burning in eyes
  • Tearing
  • Swollen eyes and eyelids
  • Pink discolouration of the white part of the eyes
  • Increased sensitivity to light

In more complicated cases, it may also lead to crusting around the eye, or a discharge.

Conjunctivitis is extremely communicable and can spread very easily by coming in contact with eye secretions from an infected person. While the condition often treats on its own, certain treatments can accelerate the recovery process and help cure the infection faster. Extreme care is important to be undertaken so that the infection does not spread to other people. Allergic conjunctivitis can be treated with antihistamines while bacterial conjunctivitis can be treated with antibiotics. In any case, these home remedies may be useful.

Make a compress for your eye

Pink eye infection can be painful, and a warm compress can really be comforting. Dip a clean washcloth in warm water and press out excess water so it does not drip. Place the washcloth on your eye and keep it there till it cools down. Repeat the process as often as it may be comfortable for you. Use a clean washcloth every time, so that you do not end up spreading the infection. If both eyes have the infection, use a different cloth for both eyes. This remedy may also prove helpful if you have sticky eyelids due to the infection. The warm compress will loosen the dried mucus and you will be able to open your eyes again.

Do not use eye mascara or other eye cosmetics

The eyes are infected and any eye cosmetics like mascaras can make the problem worse. Not only can this cause a spread of the infection to other people, but it can also prolong the infection for you. Cosmetics contain chemicals that can cause the infection to become worse and you should totally avoid using them.

Stop wearing contact lenses

Contact lenses can cause the infection to stay in your eyes for longer if you do not use disposable ones. The best way to treat your eyes soon and better is to not wear contact lenses. This remedy is also important to keep the eyes from getting reinfected.

Improve immunity

Not just externally, you can also help your body to treat the problem by improving the immunity of the body. A lot of water, stress relief, exercise, and a healthy diet can boost immunity and help your body fight the infection better.

Reduce allergens

Conjunctivitis or pink eye can also be caused due to allergies like dust allergy, pollen allergy, etc. reducing exposure to these allergens is extremely important if you are trying to treat conjunctivitis. Using warm compresses, masks for eyes, and staying indoors will help to keep any particles away, that can worsen the infection.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a professional healthcare provider if you have any specific questions about any medical matter.

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