Many people don’t know that our immune system can heal pink eye illness independently within a few days. You can characterize the infection by itchiness, inflammation, and redness of the sclera.
Several home-based or natural approaches can also minimize the symptoms. This article will reveal the most common signs and types of pink eye. You will also find natural treatment methods and tips to prevent the condition. Let’s explore more!
What Is Pink Eye?
It is also known as conjunctivitis, which occurs when the thin layer covering the eyelid or eyeball becomes inflamed. This forces the blood vessels in the region to become red and swell, giving the eye a pinkish appearance. Different bacteria, viruses, and allergies can cause it.
In children, the incomplete opening of the tear duct may be the prominent reason. This infection can occur in one or both eyes. It can last about four months (an acute infection) or maybe more than that (chronic).
What Are the Most Common Pink Eye Symptoms?
You can identify the infection through various signs such as:
- The redness in one or both eyes
- Bulge of the eyelids
- Watery discharge
- A discharge from the eyes that may prevent your eyes from opening in the morning
- Severe itching and burning sensation
- Vision becomes blue
- Pain in eyes
- It feels like something is sticking in the eyes
These are some of the most apparent symptoms; however, they can vary and be severe depending on the reason.
Understand the Types of Pink Eye
As you are aware, the risk factors for this illness include a variety of causes. These factors include hand hygiene or washing, age, medical history, sharing personal belongings, and time of year. Depending upon the reason, the types of infection are:
Viral Pink Eye
It is the most common type, and almost 80% of the cases are due to viruses that spread running nose infections like the common cold. This conjunctivitis may start in one eye and spread to the other. It is highly infectious and may be readily transmitted from one person to another by close touch.
Bacterial Pink Eye
It is the second most common kind and can be transferred. When you misuse contact lenses, the risk of infections becomes high. It occurs during the winter season and is more prevalent among adults. Pus production in the eyes distinguishes it from a viral illness, which produces watery eyes.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
It is your body’s vulnerability to external substances. In this infection, your eyes’ mast cells recognize intruders and release histamine, a protective molecule. This chemical causes your eyes to become red, swell, or itch. Pollen, dust, smoke, and various scents are all allergens.
Best Home Remedies for Pink Eye
Pink eye is usually not hazardous, particularly in mild cases, and can heal by itself. In gentle cases, you don’t need to go to a hospital; you can treat them at home with natural remedies. The following are some easy-to-apply totkay home remedies and methods to get comfort.
Apply a Warm Compress to Relieve Symptoms of Pink Eye
Water, and apply it to your eyes. The water should not be excessively hot to cause injury or burns. Put the sterile fabric on your eyes, and don’t rub it.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology has suggested this method for instant relief of the symptoms. You can also apply a cold compress, which reduces the swelling of the eyes. In this case, you can use a cold cloth or freeze it in a plastic bag for a few minutes before applying it. It is beneficial for allergic pink eyes.
- If you have an infection only in one eye, don’t touch the second one with the same cloth.
- Putting in a warm compress might be pretty beneficial!
- It can alleviate blepharitis or granulated eyelids
- Ease styes or hordeolum by releasing the obstructions that produce them
- It can also relieve dry and itchy eyes
- Assisting in opening a particular gland that keeps your eyes wet and pleasant
Use Organic Honey for Pink Eye Treatment
Honey is a natural conjunctivitis treatment, and several studies have shown its benefits in curing pink eye. The search for honey usage for eye infections is ongoing, and most analyses are conducted on animals or in laboratories (in vivo).
Honey is a rich source of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used along with beeswax to help treat eye infections. It is also used in several cosmetic products. Honey can also be used to prevent bacterial eye infections from spreading severely and alleviate redness.
Remember one thing: you can apply honey eye drops to treat dry eyes, but never use raw honey, which could worsen the infection.
Tea Bags: To Quickly Get Rid of Pink Eye
You must have heard or applied green tea bags to remove dark circles before. Now, you will find they can also be used as a pink eye treatment. They prove an effective way to lessen the swelling and redness.
Various studies have been conducted on the benefits of tea bags, and several have demonstrated that you can use them as an old compress for your eyes. Gently pressing the sachet on your eyes will relieve puffiness and swelling. In addition, it can ease discomfort caused by blood vessel inflammation.
You can apply different types of tea bags, such as mint, green, black, and cinnamon tea. You should prefer herbal teas as they contain soothing and specific disease-preventing agents, including polyphenols and flavonoids.
Artificial Tears
Previously, people used homemade salt solutions or store-bought saline, which damaged the eyes by drying them. Therefore, you should avoid them and prefer medicated eyedrops to control symptoms. These artificial tears can lubricate your eyes.
You can also control and relieve pink eye symptoms at home using lubricating allergy eye drops. These drops reduce inflammation and help clean and remove foreign invaders from the eyes.
Pro Tips for Prevention
It can be a mild condition but spread from one person to another, especially viral infection. The most essential and standard precautions that everyone should know and implement are as follows:
- Contact lenses may be the prominent cause of pink eye infection; therefore, stop wearing contact lenses.
- You should care for your eye health; don’t touch them with dirty hands, and avoid scratching them.
- Take care of hygiene
- Wash your hands and face often
- Sidestep, do frequent eye makeup, and don’t share your brushes with others
- Neither share your towels nor use someone else
Medical Treatment for Conjunctivitis: When to See a Doctor?
If you find the following signs persistently, you should consult a professional:
- Severe pain and itchiness in the affected eye
- Regular green or yellow discharge out of the eyes
- Continuous pus production in the infected eye
- Sensitivity to outer agents like light
- Headache and fever
In the above conditions, an ophthalmologist can suggest the best treatment methods to prevent you from severe forms like eye damage.
Conclusion
You can treat pink eye infections at home with natural methods. These processes can heal the condition and lessen the symptoms. One should follow the practices like avoiding wearing contact lenses, which can prevent such illnesses. You can apply over-the-counter antibiotic eye drops to minimize itchiness.
You can also incorporate them daily to avoid severe and damaging situations. However, if you have noticed pink eye symptoms worsen, you should not overlook them. Immediately see a doctor for professional advice.
Also read interesting articles at Disboard.co.uk
