In this blog we will read “Home remedies for getting a relief from Conjunctivitis”
Table of Contents
What is Conjunctivitis?
An eye condition known as conjunctivitis (pink eye) occurs when the transparent membrane covering your eyelid and eyeball becomes inflamed or infected. The conjunctiva of the eyes is made up of small blood vessels that become more visible when inflamed. This is why the white of your eyes appears pink or reddish when inflamed. Normally there are numerous ways that one can get infected with conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis can affect both eyes or only one eye. Due to severe pain in the eyes, we tend to scratch vigorously which causes swelling.
How do you get conjunctivitis?
It is caused by,
- Virus, mostly viruses such as the common cold cause pink eye
- Bacteria
- Due to occupation
- Irritants including pollutants, smoke, chlorine in swimming pools, etc.
- Reaction to eye drops
- Allergic reaction to things like pollen, dust, or smoke
- Any foreign object in eye e.g., due to any minor trauma
- Due to dry eye
Conjunctivitis caused by some bacteria and viruses is easily transmitted from person to person, although it is not a major health risk if diagnosed and treated promptly. It occurs both in adults and newborns. However, if it occurs in a newborn, notify a doctor right away, as it could be an infection that threatens the baby’s vision.
How long does Conjunctivitis last?
Conjunctivitis caused by viruses and bacteria can persist for up to two weeks (depending on the severity of the disease and symptoms). Normally allergic conjunctivitis lasts for 24 hours, unless and until you continue to be in contact with the allergen.
How do you know it is a Pink Eye?
In common there are a few symptoms that help to identify it, maybe as a pink eye. You might have a pink eye if:
- There is Constant tearing
- You have a green, yellow, or white discharge.
- It is Itching.
- Constant poking feeling in eyes
- There is redness in the whites of eyes
- Swelling
How to prevent Conjunctivitis?
Hand washing is the most effective approach to prevent the transmission of contagious conjunctivitis. Infected people should also avoid close contact with others.
Other preventive measures include:
- Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes.
- Personal things such as towels, eye drops, makeup, and contact lens cases should not be shared.
- Throw away any old makeup, eye drops, facial lotion, or other potentially infected products.
- Every day, use a new towel and washcloth.
- Pillowcases should be changed on a daily.
- Properly clean contact lenses.
- Allergens and irritants should be avoided.
Home Remedies for Conjunctivitis
Splash of Coldwater
Mild irritants such as shampoo, food, or perfume sprays that come in contact with the eyes elevate the discomfort. To relieve the discomfort, rinse your eyes underwater. Take a splash of running cold water on your face, especially your eyes. This advice will assist you in correctly opening the closed infected eye and might serve as one of the greatest home remedies for conjunctivitis.
Warm Compress
A warm compress can assist if your eyes are sore, inflamed, or irritated. Warm compression might help soothe the symptoms of dry eye.
It is significant to note that, while warm compresses may provide temporary relief, they can’t cure the illness.
Here are some suggestions on how to make a warm compress:
- Soak a cloth towel in warm water and gently apply it to your eye.
- Use hot, but not too hot, water to avoid burning yourself.
- Make sure the cloth you’re using is clean to avoid exposing your eyes to extra bacteria.
Cold Compress
Similar to warm compresses, cold compresses don’t exactly treat eye infections. They can, however, alleviate the discomfort that some eye diseases cause and injuries to the eyes can be treated with cold compresses to minimize swelling.
How to make a cold compress?
- Soak a cloth in cool water and gently apply it to your eyes.
- You can also put a wet cloth in the refrigerator to freeze it in a sealable plastic bag for a few minutes before using it on your eyes.
- Don’t press down hard on your eye or put ice directly on your eye or eyelid.
Use lubricating eye drops
Artificial tears, which are available over-the-counter, may help alleviate discomfort. Some eye drops contain antihistamines which cause redness or other drugs that might be beneficial to those suffering from allergic conjunctivitis. According to the instructions on the medication, use it properly.
Saline Solution
This is one of the most effective home treatments for conjunctivitis. It is simple to prepare a salt and water solution.
- Take some water, and boil it. Water is likely to be distilled when it is being heated. It helps greatly when you have conjunctivitis.
- Let the water cool down after adding a half teaspoon of salt.
- Gently clean your affected eye by dipping a cotton ball into the liquid.
This treatment can be used multiple times during the day. After two days, throw away the water solution. This mixture aids in thorough eye rinsing.
Other compress
Herbal tea compress usually helps in reducing the irritation of conjunctivitis. As there are many herbal products that in association help in relieving conjunctivitis.
Chamomile Tea Bags Compress:
Chamomile, with its soothing and anti-inflammatory effects, can offer relief from this discomfort.
- Make a cup of chamomile tea using a chamomile tea bag.
- After brewing, remove the tea bag and let it cool down slightly.
- Gently squeeze out excess liquid from the tea bag.
- Place the cooled tea bag over closed eyelids for around 10-15 minutes.
- The anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile can help reduce redness and puffiness around the eyes.
Precautions and Considerations:
While chamomile can be beneficial, it’s important to exercise caution to prevent any adverse reactions:
- Ensure that the chamomile infusion or tea bags are properly cooled before applying them to your eyes. Hot temperatures can worsen irritation.
- If you have known allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family (like ragweed), you may want to avoid using chamomile as it could trigger an allergic reaction.
- If irritation or discomfort persists or worsens after using chamomile remedies, discontinue use and consult a medical professional.
Green Tea Compress
The soothing properties of green tea can provide relief to irritated eyes. Applying green tea compresses can offer a gentle and calming effect on the eyes.
- Brew a cup of green tea using a green tea bag.
- Let the tea bag cool down slightly.
- Gently squeeze out excess liquid from the tea bag.
- Place the cooled tea bag over closed eyelids for about 10-15 minutes.
- Green tea has anti-inflammatory properties and it can help reduce inflammation and provide relief.
Precautions and Considerations:
- If you’re sensitive to caffeine, the consideration of decaffeinated green tea will be a great idea.
- As with any natural remedy, if you experience any adverse reactions or worsening of symptoms, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
Avoid all Eye Makeup
Stay away from all types of eye makeup during the infection. It is necessary to maintain eye hygiene, these makeup products may aggravate the intensity of infection. It also enhances the chances of spreading the infection further. So steer clear of all your makeup products to protect your eyes from the contamination of pink eye.
Avoid contact lenses
If there is any bacterial or viral conjunctivitis diagnosed, the doctor may recommend avoiding the use of contact lenses and replacing or using glasses to steer clear away from any infection.
Clean your belongings
A very basic and useful tip to get rid of conjunctivitis. As conjunctivitis is a contagious disease make sure to clean your items and from others to not touch them. It can easily spread to other of your family members.
- Disinfect the personal items like towels and pillowcases.
- Hand washing and cleanliness are necessary to avoid spreading
- Proper eye hygiene is to be maintained to worsen infection.
Conclusion
These home remedies may give you quick relief and relieve it within its own time. However, it also comes with the precaution of using the ingredients as a home remedy. Taking the best care is essential and also spreading of the infection is mandatory. As your eyes are valuable, take utmost care of them. If the taken-home remedies don’t give you any results consult a medical professional immediately to take the following needed care.
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