Here are the ways you can do to treat pink eye
Pink eye or conjunctivitis is a broad term for many ailments that can make one or both eyes appear red or pink.
The most common cause of this is viruses, followed by bacteria. In some instances, this can be caused by allergies. Commonly, antibiotics are used to treat this condition. However, there are home remedies that can be done to address this eye health problem, based on the article in The Healthy.
One option for pink eye is to apply a hot or cold compress. Leonard Pollack, MD, head of inpatient pediatrics at Henry Ford Medical Center in Detroit, said that a simple compress can relieve some of the inflammation and the discomfort of conjunctivitis.
This can also start to clear away any discharge from your infected eye. Place a clean cool or warm moist washcloth or towel over your eyes for a few minutes. Do this four times a day.
If this condition is caused by bacteria, it often comes with a crusty discharge. You should gently dislodge and get rid of this when it builds up. A compress can help soften the discharge and it is recommended to dab the discharge at the corner of the eye with a clean tissue. Avoid directly touching the eye surface. Be sure not to reuse tissue or towel once you use them for compressing or cleaning.
There are instances when the pink eye is caused by exposure to chemicals or other irritants, like shampoo or even a stray eyelash. For this situation, you can rinse your eyes with cold or lukewarm water.
You can also take an antihistamine if it is caused by allergies to get rid of the triggering factor. If don’t feel the itch, most likely you will not scratch your eyes as well. Another option is over-the-counter eye drops, some of them have antihistamines.
While having this condition, it is also advisable to stay away from using makeup and contact lenses. This will minimize the infection. If the symptoms subsided, get a new pair of contact lenses.
Don’t forget to wash your hands often. Conjunctivitis in one eye can easily affect the other eye through your hands. Be sure to wash your hands often, especially before and after touching your eyes or your face.