Natural Remedies for Pink Eye: Soothing and Safe Treatment Options
Pink eye is a common infection caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergens. It can lead to redness, irritation, discharge, and even pain. It’s not only uncomfortable, but it’s also contagious. If you or someone in your home has pink eye, you want to address it swiftly.
If you are into holistic treatment options, you may be wondering if there is a natural cure for pink eye. Fortunately, most pink eye goes away within a week, and there are a number of natural remedies you can try. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about pink eye, including natural pink eye treatments and prevention strategies.
What is Pink Eye?
Pink eye is also known as conjunctivitis. It is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is a thin layer of tissue that covers the white part of the eye and the inner eyelid. If the blood vessels in this tissue become irritated, inflamed, or swollen, they can turn more visible, making the whites of your eyes look pink or reddish. This pink appearance is responsible for the term pink eye (1, 2).
Causes of Pink Eye
Pink eye can be caused by a variety of issues. The most common cause of pink eye is a viral infection. Other potential causes include a bacterial infection or an allergic reaction. In babies, it may be the result of an incompletely opened tear duct (2).
Symptoms of Pink Eye
The symptoms of pink eye may include (3):
- Redness or a pinkish color in one or both eyes
- Itchiness, burning, or irritation in one or both eyes
- Discharge that forms a crust at night in one or both eyes
- A gritty feeling in one or both eyes
- Swelling of the eyelids in one or both eyes
- Clear, yellow, white, or green mucus in one or both eyes
- A feeling that something is in your eye and you need to rub it
- Tearing or watery eyes
- Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
Is Pink Eye Contagious?
Unfortunately, pink eye can be contagious when it’s caused by a virus or bacteria. While early treatment, including natural remedies for pink eye, can reduce symptoms, good hygiene and proper precautions can reduce the spread of pink eye and the risk of infection.
Natural Remedies for Viral Pink Eye
The best natural cure for pink eye depends on the type. Here are some pink eye home remedies we recommend for viral conjunctivitis:
Cold Compress
A cool compress is a great way to treat pink eye (4). Pink eye causes inflammation, irritation, and even pain. A cold compress can help reduce inflammation and soothe irritation caused by viral pink eye.
To make a cold compress, soak a clean washcloth, hand towel, or other small cloth in cold water. Wring it out well, then hold the towel on the affected eye. Use it for a few minutes only to soothe your symptoms.
You can use this strategy as needed throughout the day. However, it is important that you use a new cloth each time. If your household has several members with pink eye infections, make sure not to share clothes. You should handle your own cloth, wash it in hot water right away, and use a clean cloth every time.
Green Tea Bags
You can up your cold compress game by using green tea bags. Green tea is full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. This can reduce inflammation, swelling, and irritation of your eyes (5, 6, 7).
To make a green tea cold compress for your pink eye, first steep two green tea bags in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Remove the tea bags from the water and squeeze out any remaining liquid from the bags. Cool them down in the refrigerator, then place them on your affected eye for 5 to 15 minutes.
Repeat it throughout the day as needed. As with cold compress cloths, use a new tea bag every time and do not share tea bags with others. Never use a hot tea bag on your eyes. If you notice any irritation, stop using this strategy. If you don’t have green tea, black tea or chamomile tea bags can work as well.
Natural Remedies for Bacterial Pink Eye
If you are looking for a natural cure for pink eye due to bacterial origins, look no further. Here are our best tips:
Saline Solution
Bacterial pink eye can cause inflammation and a buildup of mucus in your eyes. Using a saline solution is a simple over-the-counter strategy to flush away the mucus (8).
We recommend that you look for lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) or other sterile saline solutions used for your eyes. Sterile saline sold for contact lenses should do the trick. Make sure it’s not a multipurpose contact solution, just sterile saline. Using a few drops can help to rinse your eyes, flush out some bacteria, and reduce pain or irritation.
Honey and Water Solution
Honey in your eyes may sound strange at first, but it can be a great natural solution for bacterial eye infections (9). Honey has natural antibacterial properties, which may offer a natural cure for pink eye. Dilute some local, organic, raw honey with water. Wet some cloth and apply it on your outer eyelids to promote healing and reduce irritation and pain.
You can also use honey and chamomile tea. Place two chamomile tea bags in hot water to steep for 10 minutes. Remove and squeeze out the tea bags, then cool them in your fridge. Once cool, drizzle some organic raw honey on one side, wrap it in gauze or a cheesecloth, and place it on your affected eye. Make sure not to use honey directly in your eyes, only on the skin of your eyelids.
Remedies for Allergic Pink Eye
If you have allergic pink eye, you may try these natural cure options.
Cucumber Slices
Cucumber slices may offer both hydration and cooling benefits for allergic pink eye. Placing the slices over the eyes can help reduce swelling and soothe allergic reactions. They may help to reduce inflammation and toxins in that area (10, 11).
While you can simply place cucumber slices as they are on your eyes, it is much better to use cooling cucumber slices. Slice thick slices of cucumbers. Put them in cold water for about 10 minutes, or if you prefer, cool them in the fridge. Put a cold slice of cucumber on the eyelid of your affected eye and use it for 10 to 15 minutes to reduce inflammation and discomfort.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which may help relieve the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis (12). Use pure aloe vera gel or the inside of an aloe vera leaf.
Apply a small amount on your outer eyelids. Leave it for 5 to 15 minutes. This may reduce redness, inflammation, and discomfort. It’s important that you don’t use aloe vera gel directly on your eyes.
Other Pink Eye Home Treatments
Finally, there are two more bonus home remedies for pink eye you can try.
Breast Milk
Breast milk is full of nutrients. Besides being food for babies, it has also been used as a natural folk remedy for various issues. For newborns with pink eye, breast milk can be a natural remedy to help fight infection due to its antibacterial properties. It may be an effective antibiotic for bacteria-causing eye infections (13, 14).
You may try to squirt a small amount of breast milk in your baby’s eye for relief. If it doesn’t improve, we recommend seeking help from a healthcare provider. We don’t recommend this treatment option for children, teenagers, or adults, only breastfeeding infants.
Essential Oils
Essential oils such as chamomile, lavender, tea tree, clove, or eucalyptus oil may help relieve the discomfort associated with pink eye (15). However, it is important that you do not use them directly in your eyes. Essential oils are highly concentrated. Even when diluted well, they can lead to irritation, burning, pain, and other issues.
Instead, we recommend using diffuse essential oils in water vapor instead. Add them to your humidifiers or a few drops of boiling water. Enjoy the steam without getting your face too close to it. This can help to relieve some symptoms.
Treating Pink Eye If You Wear Contact Lenses
Contact lens wearers need to take a few extra steps to ensure their eye health during pink eye treatment. You should avoid wearing contact lenses for at least 24 to 48 hours after symptoms resolve or as directed by your eye doctor. Wearing contacts too soon can make pink eye symptoms worse.
Be sure to thoroughly clean and disinfect your lenses, or better yet, replace them with a fresh pair. If you use reusable contact lens cases, discard the old one and start with a new case to prevent lingering bacteria or viruses from causing further irritation.
When to Seek Professional Medical Help
Natural remedies can provide relief for mild cases of pink eye. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider or an Atlanta medical clinic if symptoms persist, worsen, or if the infection is recurrent.
If pink eye is caused by bacteria, prescription medications like antibiotic eye drops may be necessary for full recovery. Red, swollen, or irritated eyes can also be a cause of other issues, such as an allergic reaction, a stye, or another kind of inflammation. If you are dealing with another type of issue, natural remedies, and conventional treatment options may look different.
If your pink eye doesn’t improve within a few days from natural remedies or you’re experiencing more severe symptoms, visit your doctor. If you are experiencing changes in vision, pain, or fever, call your healthcare provider as well.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Pink Eye
Knowing about some of the natural cure options for pink eye is helpful, but prevention is even more important than natural remedies. Here are the best preventative measures to avoid pink eye:
Proper Hygiene
Practicing good hygiene can significantly lower your risk of infections and pink eye (2). It’s important that you wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water to prevent pink eye and other infections.
Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes. This can reduce the risk of transferring viruses or bacteria and related infections. If you wear contact lenses or need to touch your eyes, wash your hands or use hand sanitizers first.
For those who wear eye makeup, be sure to replace your makeup regularly and avoid sharing products with others. Bacteria can build up in mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow over time, increasing the risk of eye infections
Clean Bedding and Towels
Good hygiene goes beyond personal hygiene. You need to keep your home clean, especially items that touch your face. Viruses and bacteria can both linger on fabrics and contribute to the spread of infections.
Wash your pillowcases, sheets, and towels regularly. This can significantly reduce your risk of pink eye. This is particularly important if someone in your household has been infected with pink eye. Washing these items along with good personal hygiene can reduce the spread of infections.
Always use hot water and a good detergent to ensure clean bedding and towels. Avoid sharing any towels, washcloths, or pillows, especially if someone is infected with pink eye in your home, to minimize the risk of contamination and the spread of pink eye.
Treat Pink Eye Naturally
Pink eye can be uncomfortable, but several natural remedies can provide relief and promote healing. If you have pink eye, you can try one of the natural cures for pink eye in this article.
While these are natural ways, consider consulting with a healthcare provider if symptoms are severe or if the infection persists to ensure the right treatment is received. If you are dealing with stubborn or re-occurring pink eye or any chronic conditions, our practitioners can help you find the root cause of your issues, address these underlying imbalances naturally, and regain your health and well-being. We invite you to set up an appointment with our office here.