A pink eye is also known as conjunctivitis. This is the swelling and redness of the mucous membrane lining the eye surface and eyelid. In normal instances, this eye lining is usually clear. When there is an infection, exposure to the sun and wind or allergies the eye swells and becomes red. There also are viral and bacterial causes of pink eye. Although this condition is not serious and tends to go away on its own within seven to ten days, home interventions can alleviate the symptoms fast. The treatment used should be determined by the cause of the condition.

See Also:

• Natural Cures for Pink Eye
• How to Heal Pink Eye in Toddlers and Infants

Home Remedies for Pink Eye in Adults

To hasten the healing process, you can make use of the best home remedies for pink eye in adults as discussed below. These are advantageous since they are easy to use, mild and inexpensive. They can be readily accessed from our homes and include:

Cold or Warm Compresses

The use of cold and warm compresses helps to reduce pain as well as get rid of discharge from the eyes. Compresses can be made from various products the most basic one being water. A warm compress opens up the blood vessels and allows for enough circulation ensuring that toxins are flashed out. With a cold compress, any irritation or swelling is soothed.

1. Soak a clean wash cloth in warm or cold water depending on your preference and extent of infection.
2. Wing it out and apply gently on the eye for 10 minutes.
3. Use a different cloth for the other eye and repeat procedure.

Potato Poultice

Potatoes are natural astringents and work very well in curing pink eye at home. They will soothe the eyes and help get rid of any swelling there may be. When applied to the eye, it will go a long way in relieving inflammation and soreness.

1. Get a raw potato and cut it into round slices or grate it.
2. Wrap the pieces in a cheese cloth and place on affected eye.
3. You could also place the slices directly on affected eye for 20 minutes.
4. Repeat procedure for three days.
5. You can also make a poultice from potato extract and use it directly on the eye.

Milk

Milk is also known to reduce infections. Most popular is breast milk for its immunoglobulin which helps to prevent bacteria from getting attached to the eye surface. Breast milk is very effective in treating pink eye in toddlers and babies. Use milk as an eyewash to get relief from its symptoms. You could also prepare a poultice using live cultured yoghurt and use it on the eyes. For adults, cow or goat milk will do.

1. Put the milk in a clean vessel.
2. Using a dropper, apply two or three drops of the milk to both eyes.
3. Repeat procedure three times a day for at least four days.

Turmeric

This contains natural antibiotic properties and is also a natural steroid.

1. To a cup of boiled water, add two tablespoons of turmeric.
2. Use this as a compress to relief the eye infection fast.

Aloe vera

Aloe is well known for its medicinal properties. It can be used as an eye wash or a compress.

1. Extract its juice from a freshly cut stem
2. Soak a piece of clean cloth in it.
3. Place the damp piece on the eye that has been affected and allow it sit for 10 minutes.
4. Repeat procedure four times within the day

Garlic

Garlic cloves are known to have healing properties. They are excellent natural antibiotics for pink eye and are therefore the best home remedies for pink eye in adults that is as a result of bacterial infections.

1. Peel a garlic clove and cut it across to allow you squeeze out the juice.
2. Rub the clove on the upper eyelid of the affected eyelid. This may lead to a stinging sensation which will go with time.

Honey

Honey contains microbial properties and has been used for long against a wide range of illnesses. Studies have shown that antibacterial honey can be used effectively in treating ocular surface diseases. Its use in various eye conditions gives variable results but is certainly great at treating pink eye.

Most types of honey will work for this condition but raw manuka honey is known to contain a high amount of dihydroxyacetone. If you cannot get this, settle for organic honey.

1. Get quarter a cup of warm pure water.
2. Dissolve quarter a teaspoon of the raw honey.
3. Add the solution into a dropper and place two drops of it in each eye.
4. Repeat procedure as may be needed.
5. You could also use the solution as an eye wash.

Homemade Remedies for Pink Eye in Adult People

Other than the natural treatments, there also are a few products you can make use of to make your own remedy at home. These simple DIY treatments are as effective as natural remedies and include:

Saline Solution

A salted solution has been used for long to treat pink eyes. It is an easy and effective remedy. Sea salt is especially popular for this as it will help draw out impurities and pus, soften any crusted discharge, soothe the affected and reduce swelling.

1. Bring to a boil a cup of water
2. Add two tablespoons of salt to warm water to make a concentrated solution.
3. Leave the solution to cool
4. Dip a cotton ball or clean wash cloth into the salt water solution and put it on the eyelids of the affected eye to soothe the infection.
5. You could also use a dropper to irrigate the eyes with the solution.
6. In case the solution is irritating, you could dilute it with distilled water.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is known to fight infections. Use it in various ways to heal pink eye.

1. Get a tea bag and soak it in water. Hold his against the sick eye for 10 minutes. Repeat procedure three times each day.
2. Get a teaspoon of dry chamomile flower and add it to a cup of boiling water. Leave it to steep and strain it later. Apply this as an eye wash once it has been cooled. The same can be used as a compress too.

Colloidal Silver

This is yet another great home treatment for this condition. It is an effective method that can be used through topical application or ingestion. How do you treat pink eye with this remedy? Below is how.

1. Using a dropper, apply three drops of colloidal silver into the eye.
2. Do the same for the other eye to ensure there is no cross infection.
3. You can use the remedy for up to four times a day. Ensure your hands are clean when handling the eyes.
4. You could also take it orally as may be directed by the manufacturer. Keep the levels low as too much could cause silver toxicity.

Others

Other simple and easy to use home treatments for conjunctivitis include:

Cold Bread: Cold bread helps to reduce itching and inflammation when applied on the eyes. It can help to cure pink eye in long run. Soak bread in cold water and let it rest on the eyelid for 10 minutes before removing it.

Castor oil: Putting castor oil in the affected eye also goes a long way in curing this king of eye infection.

Marigold: Marigold also contains strong anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Use marigold extract as a compress to heal the infection on your eye.

Baking Soda: This home remedy is very soothing and is an effective cure for conjunctivitis. Add a tablespoon of baking soda into a cup and use this as an eyewash.

Home remedies are more recommended than pink eye over the counter treatments because they are milder. While making use of home remedies on how to heal pink eye, be advised to use them in the right way not to spread the infection. Always wipe the drainage from the inside (side next to the nose) to the outside. Use different clean washcloth for each eye as well to avoid infection. Also important is treating both eyes even when only one is infected. This will prevent the other one from getting infected. Where disposable towels are used they should be disposed of immediately after use. In case you wear contact lenses, remove them and use normal glasses during the time of the infection as these could aggravate the situation.

Over the Counter Remedies for Pink Eye in Adults

There are a number of over the counter remedies that can be used to treat pink eye in adults. These are mostly necessary when the conjunctivitis is accompanied by a discharge which leads to the involuntary shutting of the eye. Use of medication is best done under a doctor’s recommendation so visit one before using any medicine. Where the pink eye is as a result of allergies, you can get antihistamines such as cetirizine or loratadine to help relieve the symptoms. Your doctor could also recommend antihistamine eye drops. These will keep your eyes from allergic reactions so you can withstand pollen and dust. They are available in over the counter and prescription strength options.

Where your pink eye is viral, you may never get rid of it. You can however relieve its symptoms using over the counter pink eye adults treatment such as decongestants and eye drops. With this type, you may also have to wait a number of weeks for the condition to run its cause. In case it is caused by bacteria, antibiotics for conjunctivitis would work best.

These are mostly meant for topical application. Where home treatments for pink eye do not alleviate the symptoms, it is best to visit an optician. The infection could be resulting from other eye infections which need to be cleared so as to get rid of it. Other times when you ought to visit a doctor include where the condition is accompanied by increased light sensitivity, blurred vision, fever and pain.

The post Best Home Remedies for Pink Eye in Adults appeared first on Home Remedies Org.

What is pink eye? According to mayo clinic, pink eye also known as conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that lines the eyelid and the white surface of the eye. When the infection sets in, it causes irritation and small blood vessels in the conjunctiva get inflamed. This is what causes the eye to appear red, pinkish or swollen.

Causes of Pink Eye in Babies

Common causes of pink eye in babies are viruses, bacteria and allergies which makes the broad classification below.

Viral Conjunctivitis in Toddlers

Viral conjunctivitis is the most common type- it is caused by adenovirus, a common respiratory virus. It can also be caused by the herpes virus. This type of pink eye is very contagious but will usually clear up on its own after running its course in 5-7 days even without treatment. It is highly contagious and spread through sneezing and coughing. It can affect one or both eyes. Symptoms include,

• Redness and swelling,
• Watery, burning and itchy eyes
• Increased sensitivity to light.

Bacterial Pink Eye in Toddlers

Caused by bacteria. This type can cause serious damage to the eye if left untreated. Common bacteria involved are staphylococcus aureus, haemophilus influenza and streptococcus pneumoniae. Can affects both eyes- symptoms include thick eye discharge or pus.

Allergic Conjunctivitis in Toddlers

It caused by allergens such as pollen, animal dander, mites and dust. Allergic pink eye is seasonal. It is not contagious, affects both eyes and is often accompanied by running nose and stuffiness. Symptoms increased sensitivity to light, burning watery and itchy eyes. Usually improves once the allergy is removed.

Other causes of pink eye in infants are dry eyes, open tear ducts, chemical fumes or smoke. Since its highly contagious early diagnosis, treatment and prevention are usually recommended.

Home Pink Eye Treatment for Toddlers

Unless your baby has bacterial conjunctivitis, medication is not usually required. Homemade treatment can be used to relieve pain and ease discomfort as the infection runs its course normally 5-7 days. Here is more on home pink eye treatment for toddlers

Breast Milk for Pink Eye in Infants

Does breast milk cure conjunctivitis? Breast milk is a common natural treatment for pink eye in newborns that any nursing mom can swear by. It can cure all types of conjunctivitis. There are several studies that show how effective colostrum is in treatment of eye infections and blocked tear ducts in newborn. While there may be little scientific evidence that this really works in older children, anectodal evidence is overwhelming as this remedy has been used for many years that even some doctors are now recommending it.

According to pregnancy-info.net, the Antibody IgA prevents the bacteria from attaching to the mucosal surface of eye limiting its growth. This is what helps to end the eye infection.

1. Open your baby’s eyelid and express a little breast milk directly to the surface of both eyes
2. Do this at least three times a day for 2-3 days or at least until the infection has cleared up
3. Alternatively, you can express milk into a cup and apply to your baby’s eyes with a clean eye dropper

Applying the milk to both eyes even when only one is affected ensures that the infection does not move from one eye to the other eye. According to thehealthyeconomist.com. If there is no breastmilk, you can use raw cow’s, goat’s milk or whey in the same way.

Honey for Pink Eye in Babies

Honey is one of the popular old folk home remedies for pink eye in toddlers. It has potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It cures inflammatory and bacterial eye infections in kids. Manuka honey has been found to be more effective in inhibiting the growth of bacteria than other types of honey. You can also use raw locally available honey in the same way.

How To Do You Fix Pink Eye With Honey?

1. Make honey water for pink eye by adding 3 tablespoons of honey in 2 cups of boiling water
2. Stir to dissolve and allow to cool.
3. Use this solution to wash your baby’s eye several times a day until the symptoms disappear
4. Alternatively, you can mix honey with milk and use it in the same way

This home remedy can be used in form of drops, eyewash or eye compress.

Colloidal Silver for Pink Eye

Colloidal silver is highly effective against highly infectious and bacterial eye infections in infants. It can be used both internally and externally and is suitable for all age groups without any side effects.

1. Wash your hands with soap and water
2. Open the eyelid with one hand and put two to three drops using a clean eye dropper
3. Do this for both eyes to prevent re-infection
4. Repeat this remedy up to 4 times in a day

This remedy can also be used as an eye wash for a soothing and calming relief within a few hours. You must however continue to use it for several days to make sure that the infection is completely gone. It can also be used to treat other eye infections like sty in children.

If taken orally, children should take a relatively small dosage per day to prevent silver toxicity called Argyria, kidney damage and neurological problems. One recommended quality silver preparation is sovereign silver.

Chamomile Tea for Pink Eye in Babies

What do you do for your 2 year old when he wakes up with a teary red eye? Herbal tea compresses relieve pain and swelling. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help soothe irritation, reduce swelling and cure red eye. You can also use calendula, marigold and plantain and eyebright flowers as explained below

1. Steep a teaspoon of calendula flowers, chamomile or eyebright flowers in boiling water for a few minutes
2. Allow to cool then dampened gauze pad or gauze in it
3. Gently place the cloth on the affected eye for 5-10 minutes

Make sure that the herbal tea is completely cool before using it on your baby. Get the baby to lie down on the sofa- if the child tolerates it well, you can place the teabag or cloth on the affected eye for as long as possible. This remedy may not be the best for children who are 1 year old and below.

How to Cure Pink Eye with Salt Water Solution

Mild salt water solution one of the cheapest and easy to do home remedies for pink eye in toddlers. Natural sea salt is best for this natural treatment. It soothes the eye, draws out impurities and reduces swelling. It also helps to soften the crusted eye discharge and remove pus from the eyes.

1. Add a teaspoon of salt in a cup of boiling water
2. Allow it to cool
3. Dampen a cloth in it and use it to wipe the affected area
4. You can also use a dropper to rinse the eyes with this solution
5. Dry the eyes with disposable tissues and dispose them properly

For older children, irrigating the eyes with mild saline solution will help to reduce the symptoms. Note that making a concentrated solution will irritate the child’s eye. Use distilled water as tap water may contain impurities that can worsen the infection.

Raw Potatoes Poultice for Pink Eye in Babies

Raw potatoes provide a cooling and soothing home remedy for pink eyes. Potatoes are a natural astringent that will help to clear the eyes off the infection.

1. Place a handful of raw grated potato over your child’s eyes while they are closed
2. Leave it there for 5-10 minutes
3. Repeat this several times as required for at least 3 days or until the symptoms disappear
4. Alternatively, place a slice of raw potato on the affected eye to reduce swelling and inflammation

Natural Remedies for Pink Eye in Babies

Eye Compresses

Warm or cold compresses can be used differently to relieve pain and reduce swelling caused by pink eye. Warm compresses sooth the eyes, remove the sticky discharge and flush out infection while cold compresses reduce the swelling and inflammation.

Health advice: When wiping the eye, you should do it from the inside to the outside of the eye. Be sure to use clean washcloths every time you clean the eyes. To prevent spread of infection from one eye to another.

Vitamin A

In rare cases vitamin A deficiency can cause pink eye. Vitamin A can help combat any eye disorder. Other than that it will boost your child’s eye sight and combat any eye infection. Give your child foods rich in vitamin A such as carrots, spinach, kale, cheese and Liver.

Zinc and vitamin C

Zinc and vitamin C will also help to support and boost your child’s immune system. Give your child foods such as legumes, fish and egg yolks to boost this important elements in the body. Recurring pink eye infections can be associated with A, B, C and D deficiencies. Talk to the pediatrician whether your child may require vitamins to cure pink eye.

OTC Medication for Pink Eye in Infants

Over the counter medication for pink eye in infants should not be used to heal viral and bacterial conjunctivitis but to relieve the symptoms or allergic or irritant pink conjunctivitis. Pink eye over the counter meds should only be used in older children to reduce irritation and redness. Use antihistamine eye drops for allergic pink eye. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be used to relieve pain and irritation. Note that, you should always ask the doctor before using any OTC medication for pink eye in infants.

Antibiotics to Cure Pink Eye

Antibiotics for pink eye are best prescribed by a doctor. If you baby has thick yellow or greenish discharge with a lot of crust that causes the eye to shut, talk to your pediatrician for proper diagnosis and treatment. Usually, since viral pink eye resolves on its own, the doctor gives antibiotics whether it is viral or bacterial just to be sure.

When to See the Doctor

• Blurred vision and increased sensitivity to light
• If the symptoms do not improve or get worse even with treatment
• Pre-existing eye conditions or with one eye vision
• Moderate to severe pain in your child’s eye
• If your baby is developing a fever

The Center for Disease Control recommends that all cases of pink eye should be checked by a doctor.

How to prevent the infection from spreading from your child to other children or the rest of the family

• Teach your child to wash hands with soap and water for at least a minute when necessary
• Make sure that the rest of the family wash their hands frequently
• Discourage sharing of towels, washcloths and bedding
• Change your baby’s bedding and towels frequently and wash them separately in hot water and detergent
• Discourage the baby from rubbing and touching the eyes
• Remove any discharge from the eyes with a clean wash cloth every time several times a day
• Use different eye droppers for infected and non-infected eyes
• Wash your hands before and after cleaning your baby’s eyes

Note that home remedies for pink eye in toddlers may not always work as pink eye may be a symptom of other eye problems. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell the type of pink eye that is affecting your baby. It is always best to consult the pediatrician for diagnosis and proper treatment especially if your child has an impaired immune system and vision in only one eye.

Sources

WebMd.com: Eye Health Center

Allaboutvision.com: Conjunctivitis: Bacterial, Viral and Other Types

Pediatrics.about.com: Pink Eye and Your Child

Whattoexpect.com: Pink Eye in Toddlers

Cdc.gov: Pink Eye

The post Home Remedies for Pink Eye in Toddlers, Babies appeared first on Home Remedies Org.