Pink Eye: Natural Remedies for Conjunctivitis

Pink Eye is a common name for several types of conjunctivitis, which is an inflammation of the clear membrane covering part of the eyeball and the inside of the eyelids. The most common form is viral conjunctivitis. Symptoms include feeling as though there is grit in the eyes, swelling, redness, watering and a colorless or cloudy mucus discharge. It usually begins in one eye and spreads. If others in the household have or develop the same condition, you can pretty well bet this is the cause since it is highly contagious.

Though this viral condition will generally resolve itself within two weeks without treatment, there are several things you can and should do to speed recovery and prevent spread of the virus to everyone else in your household.

These treatments are generally advised for bacterial conjunctivitis as well. A bacterial infection's symptoms are basically the same as the viral, but will usually have a yellowish to greenish discharge. It is contagious and often originates with a wound or infection elsewhere on the body, migrating to the eyes via the hands.

1. TOPICAL TREATMENT: Eyebright tea makes an excellent wash for the eyes as well as a warm compress using a clean, lint free cloth. Chamomile is also good for this. Make fresh tea and use a fresh cloth for each application. Be sure to wash, not only the immediate area of the eye, but the forehead and cheeks as well. Cover closed eyes with the wrung-out cloth until it loses most of its heat. Dipping and repeating a couple of times will help with the swelling and feeling of irritation. Mild ginger tea is a good anti-inflammatory. Use this as a warm compress with a clean cloth to lessen the swelling. Washing the hands and around the eyes with a dilute vinegar solution (1 teaspoon to 1 cup water) will help keep the area virus and bacteria free, but take care not to get into the eyes. I have also heard that a dilute honey wash will work wonders, but have never tried this. It stands to reason it might work since it does have antibiotic properties. It should be left on the eye area and no one seems to like the stickiness this creates.

2. INTERNALLY: Boosting the immune system is always a good idea with any infection. Increasing vitamin C intake, adding garlic to the diet and taking a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, diluted in water, before meals will all help.

3. DISINFECT: The least toxic and most effective way to disinfect is to use Hydrogen Peroxide and vinegar. You will need two spray bottles or separate bowls and rags since they should not be mixed. Wipe down all toys, counters and other surfaces, with first one and then the other, each day until the condition is cleared up. This may seem like a daunting job, but is made easier if you limit the toys available and, if possible, access to surfaces likely to cause spreading. All commonly used handles such as sink, refrigerator, room and closet doors need daily attention, as do remotes and telephones if handled by the victim.

4. WASH: Wash everything. Pillowcase should be changed daily. Change children's clothing each day to prevent re-infection as well. Wash the patient's face and hands with either a disposable wipe or a fresh washcloth several times a day.

5. FINGERS OFF! Use disposable tissues or soft toilet paper to wipe the eyes. Fingers are the primary source of infection and re-infection for anyone with pink eye. If someone in your household has pink eye, be extra conscious of keeping your own fingers away from eyes, nose and mouth without washing your hands first too.

6. MAKEUP: If you come down with pink eye and use eye makeup, you should discard all mascara and eyeliner used during or immediately prior to the outbreak. Never use anyone else's makeup and discard any mascara or eyeliner that is over 6 months old as these can be prime sources of unexplained eye infections.

Symptoms of conjunctivitis caused by allergies are watering, swelling, redness and itchiness. You may also see clear blisters on the whites of the eyeball and lining of the eyelids. It usually affects both eyes and is readily responsive to an antihistamine like Diphenhydramine. Since this is a non-contagious condition, your main concern is to lessen the irritation by limiting exposure to the allergen and relieving the symptoms. Used black or orange pekoe tea bags, chilled in the refrigerator seem to work nicely, as do Chamomile and/or cool Eyebright tea washes, which relieve the itch and help clear up the redness. Cold compresses of almost any sort (cold, damp washrag, chilled cucumber slices, etc.) will give instant relief of swelling for most acute attacks.

If symptoms persist for over two weeks, there is facial pain, vision loss, blurring or double vision, high fever, chills or sever pain in eyes when looking at a bright light, see your physician. This could indicate a more serious condition and should not be self treated.