by GraMarie Walker

Created on: March 21, 2007   Last Updated: April 26, 2007

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

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