Pink Eyes
Pink eye (also known as conjunctivitis) is an extremely contagious infection of the eye.
It is caused by an inflammation of the membranes that cover the eye and inner eyelid. It is very common in children; however people of all ages can catch this stubborn infection.
They are usually treated by the doctor with eye drops or ointment that is applied for about a week, although many people find this to be ineffective.
If you want immediate treatment for pink eye, there are a variety of home remedies that work just as effective as prescribed medicine (many times at a fraction of the cost).
Causes of Pink Eyes
There are two strains of the pink eye infection: bacterial and viral.
Viral pink eye is caused by a highly contagious virus that is passed from one person to another.
Bacterial pink eye is contracted most commonly through the Staphylococci and Streptococci bacteria.
Symptoms of Pink Eye
The symptoms between the two different types of pink eye are different.
Viral pink eye symptoms
- Runny nose
- Sinus congestion
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision
- Clear, watery discharge
Bacterial pink eye symptoms
- Sore, itchy eye
- Swelling
- Redness
- Green or yellow discharge that may harden overnight
Natural Cures for Pink Eye
When using these natural cures, it is important to remember that washing your hands after you touch the infected area is necessary to stop the infection.
It is also recommended to wash all bedding, towels and clothing that was used during the infection to stop the spread of the bacteria or virus.
- If you are wondering how to remove pink eye symptoms quickly, then a simple home remedy is to wrap up some ice in a paper towel and rest it on the affected eye for 15 minutes.
- Another home remedy is to mix milk and honey in a 1:1 ratio. Drip this mixture into the eye from a sterilized cotton ball 3-4 times a day until the infection has cleared up.
- Natural cures often use everyday items in your kitchen to treat ailments. In this case, a bag of minute rice heated up for a minute then wrapped in a tea towel can soothe itchy eyes and reduce inflammation instantly. Do this 3-4 times a day to stop pink eye.
- This is not recommended for children as it may sting, but is very effective for adults. Mix fresh lemon juice and distilled water in a 1:1 ratio and drop 1 drop in each eye 3 times a day.
- For those who have children or babies with pink eye and are producing breast milk, this is a gentle and effective home remedy to use. Simply drop a few drops in each eye throughout the day for best results.
- Black coffee, cooled, can be used to gently rinse the eye four times a day to remove conjunctivitis infections.
