Home Remedy Treatments for Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Conjunctivitis, or Pink eye, is named for the conjunctiva - the membrane that covers the eye whites and the inside of the human eyelids. While not considered to be a serious medical condition, pink eye can be quite painful and annoying, and easily spread from one affected eye to the other. This is especially true in children, who transfer the disease quite frequently not only from one eye to the other, but to children they come in contact with as well. Conjunctivitis is most commonly caused by a viral infection but can also be caused by bacteria, allergies, or even sexually transmitted diseases. The best home remedies for pinkeye not only cure the condition, but provide some temporary relief from the pain and itching.

The compound Barberine is found in the Barberry root bark, and is a wonderful antibacterial that works quite will in cases of conjunctivitis. It can be used as an eyewash after boiled in water and let stand to cool, or can be used as a poultice on a closed eye with a few drops of water added. Boric acid mixed with water in a weak solution is another excellent home remedy for pink eye when used as an eyewash. Honey or tumeric acid have similar results in combating pink eye as an eyewash as well. Over the counter commercially prepared remedies such as artificial tear eye drops do a very good job or alleviating pain by maintaining a constant and correct PH balance in the affected eye or eyes.

One of the most difficult and troubling aspects of conjunctivitis is the accompanying inflammation and burning, that often results in the condition being spread due to excessive rubbing of the eye. A great home remedy for this is to make a poultice from shredded raw potato and to place it on the eye several times daily. Potato contains an astringent that reduces swelling considerably when used often. Other home remedies for conjunctivitis include placing cold items upon the eyelid to alleviate the burning sensation due to pink eye. A small piece of sterile gauze soaked in water and placed in a freezer for 30 minutes can be incredibly soothing, and by discarding the gauze after use the threat of spreading the pink eye to other family members is reduced greatly.

Perhaps the best home remedy for conjunctivitis is once that attacks the disease on several fronts, utilizing several of the aforementioned treatments in combination. In this manner, an individual suffering from pink eye can get the greatest amount of relief and benefit.