Conjunctivitis is often termed as — ‘Pink Eyes‘. Today we shall discuss home remedies that can help you treat Conjunctivitis in no time.
What is Conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is swelling, inflammation and infection of the membrane lining the eyelids, ‘Conjunctiva’. This is a thin membrane covering the front portion of the eye. The eyeball and underside of the eyelids become inflamed.
What Causes Conjunctivitis/Pink Eye
Well, most cases of pink eyes are viral in nature. However, a few can be bacterial too and the others are actually triggered through an allergic response. Let us have a look at how they differ from each other.
Types of Conjunctivitis
Acute Viral Conjunctivitis — This turns out to be the most common. Highly contagious conjunctival infection. It is Acute in nature usually caused by Adenovirus and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) in some cases. HSV is believed to be the most notorious one to treat. You may run high temperature along with watery discharge from one or both eyes, if affected.
Bacterial conjunctivitis — If you experience thick eye-discharge or pus-like substance, it can be due to a Bacterial Strain. Usually it is Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa causing pink eye bacterial infection.These strains of bacteria are often known to cause lung and ear infections too.
Allergic conjunctivitis — It is not contagious. There are many substances that can trigger an allergic response. Substances like shampoo, fumes, pool chlorine, Dirt, Animal dead skin, Pollen can all cause Conjunctivitis. Out of these, Pollen is the most common allergen to cause conjunctivitis at places that have cold winters. You may experience symptoms like sneezing, blocked or runny nose and itchy, inflamed watery eyes.
Contact Dermato Conjunctivitis – Contact Dermato conjunctivitis is usually triggered by eye drops but it can also be caused by make up products or certain chemicals.
Irritant conjunctivitis – Irritant conjunctivitis has a range of potential causes like;
- Chlorinated water mostly used in swimming pools
- A stray of eyelash rubbing against the Conjunctiva
How is Pink eye spread?
The sad news is you are more likely to develop infective Conjunctivitis, if you have come in close contact with someone who is already infected with it. It is therefore becomes imperative to wash your hands thoroughly after coming into contact with anyone who has been suffering from symptoms of Conjunctivitis. Please try and avoid sharing pillows or towels with anyone with the infection.
You run a higher risk of catching an infective conjunctivitis if;
- You have been diagnosed with an upper Respiratory Tract Infection such as the cold.
- Children are at a higher risk (especially at schools and day care centers)
- You have diabetes or any other condition that has impacted your immune system. This makes you more vulnerable and causes cases of Conjunctivitis in adults.
- You are on Corticosteroids(steroids) that can compromise your immune system.
- You have come in contact with a person suffering from Conjunctivitis or have been in a crowded place such as a busy bus or train.
Signs and Symptoms of Pink eye
There may be itchiness and pain associated with this condition. Some people may also experience burning sensation though it is not present mandatorily. The tears form in abundance and hence, you may experience sticky shutting of the affected eye especially during morning hours. Conjunctivitis can affect anyone in one or both eyes. Let us look at the most common symptoms of Conjunctivitis
- Eye redness and Tears – This can result due to the inflammation and widening of the tiny blood vessels in the Conjunctiva (Thin layer of cells covering the front of the eyes). Tears are a common sight, especially the sticky feeling of the eyes during morning hours.
- Discharge – Our conjunctiva contains thousands of cells that produces mucus. Due to inflammation, the glands tend to grow overactive and hence they produce more mucus and water.
Home Remedies for Conjunctivitis
Honey is known to fight bacterial infections and soothe the sore eye. Take two cups of hot water and add three tablespoons of honey to it. Mix and stir to dissolve. Make sure you allow this liquid to cool down as it can burn if its too hot. Use this to wash your eyes twice a day. This will certainly help in calming the burn and inflammation.
I never imagined using Cilantro leaves on the eyes!
However, they are extremely rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin K and protein. These leaves are a powerhouse of calcium, phosphorous, potassium, thiamin, niacin and carotene. You can take some coriander leaves. Add it to about 250 ml of water. Make a decoction of this by allowing it boil for about 15 or 20 minutes. Once cooled, strain the liquid. This decoction is the best cooling eyewash for conjunctivitis. You can also consume this water for a faster relief.
Potato acts an an excellent cooler for the pink eye or irritated eye. Place the potato slice on the infected eyes to reduce pain and inflammation.
Cumin Seed and Honey
Shape of cumin seed is just like an eye, therefore, it is very useful in eye diseases. Take one teaspoon honey and one teaspoon of cumin seeds powder in it. Mix it well. Take it once a day cures conjunctivitis or pink eye quickly.
Salt water is much beneficial for conjunctivitis. Take one cup of water at normal temperature and add little amount of salt in it. Take a cotton swab and dip it into the salt water now put it on infected eyes. It will kills infections and cures conjunctivitis.
You can take buttermilk in a cup and dip a cotton swab in it. Put it on your infected eyes. Repeat it when it becomes dry. This will help cure conjunctivitis or pink eyes soon.
Tulsi was also known as basil, is known for its healing power. It has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that protect the eyes from environmental damage and free radicals. It also has the power to fight viral, bacterial and fungal infections in the eyes. Soak Tulsi leaves in boiled water for 10 minutes. Then use the water as an eyewash or soak a clean cotton pad or washcloth in the water and use it a warm compress.
Neem oil (Azadirachta indica)
Neem oil relieves irritated skin with its soothing and gentle properties. It also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial components that can relieve the symptoms of Conjunctivitis. Wipe neem oil around the eye and eyelid before going bed for pink eye instant relief.
Another effective way to prepare a compress for a pink eye is by mixing two teaspoons of turmeric powder in boiling water. This turmeric solution can be used as a hot compress over the infected eye.
Caution : Do not use extreme hot water.
Apple cider vinegar
This has a powerful natural remedy to treat all bacterial infections. You can use it to treat pink eye too. Get a cup of water. Add one tablespoon of pure Apple cider vinegar to it. Mix it thoroughly. Wash your eyes with a cotton ball dipped in the resulting mixture.
When to seek immediate medical advice
- Pain in your eyes
- Disturbed vision
- Intense redness in one eye or both eyes