Pink Eye, or Conjunctivitis, is an infection of the eye characterized by swelling, redness, severe itching and tearing of the eye. The eyes also show white and thick drainage. Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are the common bacteria which cause Pink Eye. This is very contagious and spreads very easily.
Nearly 3 million Americans fall prey to pink eye in the United States every year.
Majority cases of pink eye are very mild but the tenure of the irritation and burning symptoms stay for quite some time. What to do for pink eye? There are a variety of treatment options to treat Pink Eye. This article will give you an insight into all the treatment options available towards Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) treatment(1).
Coconut oil is believed not only to boost overall health but also used in treating Pink Eye as it strengthens the immune system thus fighting against bacteria causing an eye infection.
Whenever you sense irritation in your eye, when you feel that your eyes are going dry or whenever you find it difficult to open your eyes (usually early in the morning when the upper and the lower eyelids stick to each other), you can use coconut oil.
Coconut Oil has lauric acid which is antibacterial and antiviral which makes it one of the best remedies for treating Pink Eye. Moreover, coconut oil keeps the eyes moist and protects it from getting dry.
Coconut Oil is rich in lauric acid. This is used by our body to make the same disease-fighting fatty acid derivative named monolaurin that babies make from the lauric acid they get from mother’s milk. The monoglyceride monolaurin is the substance that helps infants and babies against viral or bacterial infections. Till recently, this benefit was largely overlooked by the nutrition and medical community.
There is a lot of reason and research behind saying that mother’s milk is the best food for babies. Mother’s milk has a lot of healing and nutritional properties. Colostrum, present in breast milk has lots of micronutrients, which is highly beneficial for the babies.
Breast milk can be used in the below mentioned ways. This is also recommended by doctors and nutritionists.
Tea bags are a very popular remedy to be used for eye problems. Tea bags not only help in reducing dark circles but also bring down eye redness and puffiness. They are a great home remedy for treating Pink eye and the irritation associated with it.
Tea bags are not only affordable but also easy to lay hands on. Just place them on your eyes, this is an easy way to rest your eyes and unwind from the day’s stress.
Tea contains antioxidants that help in treating many eye concerns. It gives a soothing feel and calms down the irritation and inflammation of the eye.
Chamomile, Rooibos, Calendula, Lavender, Eyebright, Fennel, Fenugreek and comfrey are the different varieties of tea you can use to bring down the symptoms of Pink Eye.
It’s important to make a diluted solution with the Apple Cider Vinegar before application.
Unfiltered, raw apple cider vinegar has extremely potent viral fungal and bacterial killing properties(2). This makes it one of the apt remedies for treating Pink Eye.
Use this to clean your eyes three times a day. Apply the solution to both the eyes even though only one eye is infected.
Boric Acid, a white powder can be easily dissolved in water. Because of its cleansing and antiseptic nature, boric acid is used as an eyewash. It is a substance that is well known for its treatment of bacterial and fungal infections.
Conjunctivitis or Pink Eye which is an inflammation of the eye’s mucous membrane. Boric Acid soothes the inflamed eyes and treats the bacterial infection if used as an.
Use this solution three times a day. Apply it to the eyes using a cotton ball.
Because of its cleansing and antiseptic nature, boric acid is used as an eyewash. It kills the bacteria causing infection and relieves you from eye irritation.
Holy Basil, also known as Tulasi, is well known for its healing power. The anti-inflammatory and soothing properties of it not only protect the eyes from environmental damage but also from free radicals.
Bacterial, viral and fungal infections in the eyes are treated by Holy basil. It is also a good source of Vitamin E Protein, Niacin, and Riboflavin, It is also a very good source of Vitamin A, Dietary Fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Vitamin K, Folate, Iron, Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Zinc, Potassium, Manganese. And Copper.
Honey has Amino Acids, Alkaloids, Cardiac glycosides, Anthraquinone glycosides, Flavonoids, Enzymes, Organic Acids, Minerals, Proteins, Vitamins, Polyphenols, and water.
Honey is used to treat many kinds of infections as it fights against the bacteria and virus(3). Due to this, Honey has been used from ages for treating symptoms of Pink Eye too,
Over the counter eye drops contain certain lubricants and chemicals which might have a damaging effect on your eyes. If you are looking for a natural eyewash, here is the solution for it.
Use this solution as an eyewash
The chloride in the salt cleans the eyes and provides a soothing effect. The sodium acts on the bacteria as it is antibacterial.
Turmeric reduces inflammation as it has healing compounds. The antibacterial properties of turmeric relieve the symptoms of a pink eye if applied topically.
Soak a cotton pad or the washcloth in the solution and use it as a warm compress on your eyes.
The antibacterial properties of turmeric act on the bacteria causing Pink eye and relieves you from inflammation, irritation almost instantly.
Aloe Vera has compounds like emodin and aloin which are antiviral and antibacterial which not only reduce inflammation but also speed up the healing process.
Do this 2 times a day
Aloe Vera gel reduces irritation and inflammation of the eye. Instead, some extracts of Aloe Vera Gel can be used as eye drops to bring down inflammation of the external parts of the eye.
Zinc helps antioxidant enzymes of the body to reduce free radicals. It also helps the body in absorbing Vitamin A. Zinc also protects against night blindness and macular degeneration.
Sea Foods like oysters are rich in Zinc. Eggs, Beef, peas, wheat germ, and tofu are other sources of foods rich in Zinc.
Precautions: Having Zinc more than the recommended amount can lead to reduced immune system function. It is good to take the advice of a doctor.
All essential oils are volatile as they can be turned to vapor by heating very easily. Tea Tree Oil is considered one of the best remedies for treating Pink Eye.
The antiviral, disinfecting and antibacterial properties of the tea tree oil reach your eyes and fight against the virus and bacteria, thus relieving you from inflammation and irritation.
You can use this remedy 2 times a day which would prove very effective in getting rid of Pink Eye.
Eucalyptus oil reduces irritation and inflammation of the eye and gives relief. Coconut Oil has lauric acid which is antibacterial and antiviral which makes it one of the best remedies for treating Pink Eye.
Precautions: Choose unrefined virgin coconut oil as it has no chemicals. This is not for oral ingestion. Be sure that you keep essential oils away from the reach of children.
[Read: Benefits of Coconut Oil]
The antiviral, disinfecting and antibacterial properties of Lavender Essential oil reach your eyes and fight against the virus and bacteria, thus relieving you from inflammation and irritation.
You can use this remedy 2 times a day which would prove very effective in getting rid of Pink Eye.
Contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help fight bacteria and soothe inflammation. It can also prevent and alleviate pain and irritated skin. It can be used in combination with tea tree oil for a combined effect of antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Applying a small amount of neem oil around the affected eye, preferably before bed, will lead to a notable improvement over a few days.
Neem oil fights with the bacteria causing Pink eye and offers a soothing effect to the eyes.
Dip 2 cotton balls in this mixture and clean your eyes with it.
Follow this procedure once every night just before going to bed.
Ensure that the oil does not enter the eye.
Neem oil has antibacterial and antiviral properties which act very effectively against the bacteria and provide you relief from symptoms of Pink eye instantly.
Excess intake of sugary and starchy food should be avoided. These foods include Potatoes, Pies, White bread, Sugar, Refined Cereals, Confectionary, and Jams. Excessive quantities of protein & fatty food and Meat, Strong coffee and Tea. excessive salt, sauces, and condiments should also be avoided.
The symptoms of moderate to mild cases of the pink eye generally come down without any medication. Pink eye can be treated by using many home remedies which are commonly found in and around our home.
People also use eye drops, eye compresses and over the counter medicines.
If you are not sure about what works better for you, consult a doctor.
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Nearly 2 third of all pink eye cases subdue within 3 to 5 days. And in most cases, using Antibiotic drops is also not necessary. Bacterial Pink Eye is seen to be resolved within 6 days, without the need for any treatment.
Pink Eye or Conjunctivitis which is a viral and bacterial infection has no ‘over the counter’ medicines; however, there are certain over the counter products that can treat the symptoms caused by Pink Eye.