Natural Remedies for Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis)

Conjunctivitis, more commonly known to as "pinkeye" is the result of an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane that lines our eyelids and covers most of the whites of our eyes.

When this inflammation occurs, your eyes may appear to be swollen and bloodshot. Those that suffer from pinkeye also experience itchy and irritated eyes. Because pinkeye is an infection, some sufferers experience a pussy secretion that can make eyes feel gummy, or can cause eyelids to stick together after being closed for an extended period of time, such as after sleeping.

Pinkeye can result due to many different factors. Bacterial infections, allergies and eye injuries are common causes of pinkeye. Exposure to foreign substances such as smoke, fumes, chemicals and makeup can also cause conjunctivitis to occur. Pinkeye is not necessarily the result of a viral infection, however if it is caused by a viral infection, pinkeye is highly contagious.

There are a variety of natural remedies that can help you to cure a case of conjunctivitis, however if using these home remedies does not result in any signs of improvement within a few days, you should seek medical attention as you may have a viral infection and require antibiotics.

Vitamins A, C and Zinc work well for naturally treating conjunctivitis. These vitamins help to promote immunity and help to protect your eyes from further inflammation. Vitamins A, C and Zinc also help to enhance healing and improve immunity response.

Fennel, Chamomile and Eyebright herbal teas can be used to make hot compresses to apply to eyes suffering from pinkeye. Additionally, Eyebright tea can be consumed or taken in capsule form to help with irritation and inflammation as well. A hot compress can also be made from Goldenseal tea, or taken orally, however those that are pregnant, or allergic to ragweed should not consume Goldenseal, nor should Golden seal be taken for more than a week at a time.) Goldenseal compresses work well if conjunctivitis is caused by an infection, as Goldenseal is a natural anti-biotic.

Even if you do not have these herbs available, hot compresses should still be applied regularly to the eyes, to help with swelling and irritation. If your eyelids are swollen, you can also try applying a potato compress. To make a potato compress, peel and grate a fresh organic potato. Wrap the grated potato in clean gauze and place onto your eyes.

Proper hygiene is also necessary to the curing and prevention of pinkeye. Avoid touching your eyes with dirty hands, and make sure you wash your hands immediately after touching your eyes. If you have an infectious case of conjunctivitis, wash your hands frequently and avoid contact with others until your infection has went away.

If you believe that you have a case of pinkeye, you should immediately begin some form of treatment to help clear things up. While many people prefer to use natural remedies to treat themselves, if the above suggestions show no results within 3-4 days, you should seek medical treatment from your family physician or eye doctor.

Learn more about this author, Lisa Smegal.
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