How to Treat Conjunctivitis (Pinkeye) at Home

Pinkeye is a fairly common ailment among children as well as adults. The condition is usually identified by the presence of swelling and puffiness in the eye lids, redness and itching. Your child may wake up with one or both of his eyes sealed shut from the discharge the virus emits. Complaints may include that it feels as though there is dirt in the eye, or that it itches or burns.

Conjunctivitis is caused by many of the same bacteria that cause the common cold, ear infections, sinus infections and sore throats. Allergies such as hay fever may also contribute to developing conjunctivitis. Some chemicals and pollutants can also trigger an eye infection. Though pinkeye seems alarming because it comes on quickly and looks dramatic, rarely does it cause any permanent vision or eye damage.

Pinkeye can also be bothersome because it spreads so rapidly. Cases stemming from bacteria are passed on quickly through touching a contaminated person, or by touching something he has touched. In the summertime, it can be spread through water in swimming pools. Once a child has the infection in one eye, it usually passes quickly to the other eye in the course of the child scratching or touching the infected one.

Here are several home remedies you can use to treat minor cases of conjunctivitis at home.

1. Chamomile is an excellent, all-natural treatment for pink eye. Simply place a single, moist tea bag on each closed eye for about ten minutes. Repeat the process every couple of hours immediately after you are sure your child has an infection. Be sure that the tea is 100% natural chamomile. You can even wash your eyes with the tea, or let it soak into a cotton ball and hold it gently against your eyes.

2. Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) is also a common herb used to treat eye infections. Infuse a teaspoon into a cup of hot water, strain and use an eye cup (available at pharmacies) and dab it onto your eye lids with a cotton ball.

3. Saline solution is sometimes used to treat pinkeye. The ingredients in a bottle of soft contact solution is basically a disinfectant and by squeezing several drops into your eye, you may find that the infection quickly clears up.

4. Warm, moist compresses will help make your child more comfortable, as well as loosen the dry, crusty material from his eye. Often this will be necessary prior to putting any ointments, drops, or teas on the infected area.

If your infection is painful or unbearable, or your vision is affected, be sure to see a doctor right away. This may be a sign that the conjunctivitis is spreading, or that you have a more serious problem than a simple eye infection.

Pinkeye is a normal, pesky part of childhood and sometimes, adulthood. However, just because you have the infection does not mean that you automatically need to take a trip to the Doctor's office. Try one of these home remedies and see if it works for you.