Are you looking for how to cure pink eye at home? Then, this guide is a must-read for you; we will discuss the best home remedies that will give you fast relief from the condition.
Pink eye or conjunctivitis is a medical condition resulting from the inflammation of the conjunctiva, a thin transparent membrane that protects the eye. A bacteria or viral infection can cause the condition. The symptoms often resolve after a while when the cause is no longer present, but sometimes home remedies are necessary to help speed up the healing and ease the symptoms.
The signs and symptoms of pink eye include pain, itching and burning in the eye, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, redness and swelling of the eyelid, and abnormally large amounts of eye discharge. So, if you notice you are suffering from this condition, follow this guide to learn how to cure pink eye at home.
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How to Cure Pink Eye at Home Fast
One of the fastest ways to cure pink eye at home is by using antibiotics medication, but this can only work for pink eye caused by bacterial infections. For those caused by a viral infection, you may need to wait it out or visit a healthcare provider.
For pink eyes caused by allergens, artificial tears can help wash out the allergens and speed up the healing process. However, aside from these, there are many things you can do at home to relieve your symptoms, as discussed below.
Use a Cool Compress
Pink eye causes inflammation in the eye, which can be painful and irritating. A cold compress may help reduce this inflammation and soothe the symptoms by numbing and reducing blood flow to the area, thereby reducing pain, swelling and inflammation.
To get a cold compress, you can soak a clean towel in cold water, wring out the water, and place the towel on the affected eye for a few minutes.
However, if the conjunctivitis was caused by an infection, it is important not to reuse the towel or washcloth so you do not spread the infection to the other eye or other people. Instead, launder the towel in hot water or use a different washcloth for each compress.
Artificial Tears
Artificial tears come in the form of lubricating eye drops that can be used to soothe burning and irritation in the eye; they are sold OTC and are especially effective for pink eye caused by allergens.
It has been said that artificial tears can rinse off any irritants in the eye, be it cosmetic ingredients, microbes, pet dander, etc. However, ensure you choose preventive-free artificial tears or eye drops. It is also advisable to use a single-use vial to prevent reinfection by the contaminated tip.
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Damp Clean Cloth
Conjunctivitis caused by a bacterial infection may cause the eyes to produce thick discharge or pus. This discharge dries up quickly and forms a crust around the eyelids, making it difficult to open the eyes first thing in the morning.
A warm, damp cloth can remove pus from the eyes and lashes, and you will be able to move your eyes freely. You could also take a warm shower to loosen the dry crust and remove pus from your eyes.
Take Off Makeup and Contact Lenses
It would be best if you took a break from contact lenses until your pink eye is completely cured, and you must use a new pair when you return to wearing them because your old contacts are likely infected and could infect you again.
In addition, you need to take a break from makeup at this time, and once you are ready to get back to it, you should start with new makeup tools or treat the old ones properly before using them again.
Pain Relieving Medication
Some pink eyes aren’t painful, but if you have pain, you can consider an OTC medication for pain relief, but it will not cure the pink eye.
Try some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or allergy medications like mast cell inhibitors, eye drops, or oral antihistamines. However, you must keep in mind that you may still have an infection even if the symptoms improve.
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Avoid Rubbing and Touching the Eye
Some types of conjunctivitis are very contagious, and touching your eye frequently can spread the infection to other people or your other eye.
Touching the eye may also cause more irritation. So, if you touch your eyes, such as when cleaning them, ensure you wash your hands before and after.
Rest Helps With Pink Eye
Some basic self-care measures can also help you feel better when you have conjunctivitis. It is essential to energise your immune system to help it fight off the infection, and the best way to do this is by resting as much as possible and drinking a lot of water to stay hydrated. In addition, do not neglect the place of good food and a nutritious diet; lastly, try to minimise stress by all means.
Minimising Allergens
Think about the recent change in your environment that may have led to your conjunctivitis; if it was caused by an allergic reaction to something, then you can reduce the symptoms by reducing exposure to that trigger. For example, if you just started using a new perfume, face wash, bed sheet or detergent, it could be the leading cause of your pink eye, so remove any potential culprits to stop or reduce your symptoms.
Conjunctivitis is not a life-threatening condition and most often doesn’t result in any serious problems if properly managed; it will go away on its own after a while because your immune system is always actively fighting infections in every part of your body.
However, while the condition persists, the symptoms can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful. That is why many people seek help to relieve the symptoms until the infection can be cured. So, if you suffer from conjunctivitis and do not wish to visit an optometrist, the home remedies we have discussed above will help you find some relief.
