7 simple home remedies to treat conjunctivitis or pink eye

Suffering from conjunctivitis? Try these simple home remedies.

Conjunctivitis or pink eye is a common eye condition that can happen to people of any age group. Several factors such as viruses, bacteria and allergies can cause conjunctivitis and the symptoms includes redness, itchiness and burning sensation in the eyes, discharge on the eyelids, more tears than usual, blurred vision etc. Although consulting with an eye specialist is the best option while having conjunctivitis, there are certain home remedies which may help you relieve the symptoms.

A cold compress: This is one of the most common and effective home remedies to treat conjunctivitis. It reduces the inflammation around your eyes, eases the pain, swelling, irritation and soothes your eyes. Soak a clean cloth in cold water, wring it out and place it on your closed eyelids. Remove it after 7-8 minutes and then wash your hands. Repeat this process quite often for better result.
Rinse your eyes: Certain allergens make your body produce histamine, a chemical that causes itchiness, redness and tears in the eyes. If you notice such things, just rinse your eyes with cold water for some minutes and see the result.
Eye drops: Lubricating eye drops help flushing all the allergens, discharge and irritants out from your eyes and ease the symptoms of conjunctivitis.
Damp cloth clean: Conjunctivitis often form thick discharge or pus in the eyes and as a result, your eyelids become stuck together and it becomes difficult for you to open your eyes. Use a damp warm cloth and gently take all the discharge or pus out from the eyes and lashes.
Avoid wearing contact lenses: If you're suffering from conjunctivitis, then avoid wearing any type of contact lenses for at least two weeks. Contact lens worsens the condition and also, there may exist some kinds of viruses or bacteria in it.
Essential oils: The healing properties and anti-inflammatory components in essential oils treat viral, bacterial and fungal infections and relieve several conjunctivitis symptoms. Just add a few drops of essential oils into a bowl of boiling water and allow the steam to reach your face and eyes. Make sure that your eyelids are closed while taking the steam and don't put this oil directly on your eyes. Lavender oil, tea tree oil and peppermint oil are some of the best essential oils for you.
Healthy lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle boosts your immune system and helps you fight against the conjunctivitis symptoms. Just maintain a basic self-care routine such as take plenty of rest, drink an adequate amount of water, have a healthy food habit, stay stress free etc and see the result.