Holistic Treatment for Pinkeye

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a an inflammation of the mucus membrane around the eye. It can occur as either allergic, bacterial, or viral. While only bacterial and viral pink eye are contagious, all three are uncomfortable and can be soothed or even treated through holistic approaches.

Symptoms

• Pink eye can be divided into three major categories: allergic, viral, and bacterial. Allergic pinkeye is caused by an allergic reaction. It is not contagious and is typically brought on by dust, pollen, or irritating particles in the air. Viral and bacterial pink eye are caught in the same was as a viral cold or bacterial infection. They can also be symptoms of a viral cold or bacterial infection and are equally as contagious.

  Allergic pink eye has the symptoms of an irritated eye. Normally you will experience redness, itching, watering, and some sinus discomfort. Viral pink eye is usually accompanied by the common cold. It's symptoms are redness, watering, light grittiness, and light discharge.

  Bacterial pink eye can occur with a bacterial infection like strep throat or a respiratory infection. It's symptoms are very similar to viral pink eye but heavier. You might experience excessive watering, thick discharge that turns crusty, swollen eyelids, grittiness, and bloodshot red eyes.

Treatment

• Allergic pink eye can be treated with artificial tears and antihistamine. Viral pink eye clears up with the virus; artificial tears usually are prescribed to help with the gritty feeling. Bacterial pink eye is treated with an antibiotic eye ointment. When accompanying an virus of infection, you should get plenty of fluids and rest.

Compress

• The most common holistic recommendation for all pink eye is to apply a compress--cold for allergic pink eye and and warm for all others. To make a compress, simply saturate a washcloth or other cotton cloth with warm or cold water; wring it completely and hold it on the eye area with very light pressure. The compress will soothe irritation, reduce swelling, and help combat additional redness.
  Tea is another helpful application that will help with itching and inflammation. Brew a strong cup of chamomile, green, or black tea using two bags. Let the bags cool while you drink the tea. Apply one bag to each eye and allow the cool tea to get in your eye.

Eye Wash

• Natural eye washes also are holistic treatment options for pinkeye. Salt, honey, and lemon added to warm water work as natural cleansers and anti-fungals to speed the healing of pink eye. While the application will sting, many people rely on natural eye washes for their effectiveness and low cost. Let a pinch of salt and drop of honey--or a squirt of lemon--dissolve completely in pure, warm water. Allow the mixture to cool, measure it in an eye wash cup, apply to the affected eye and lightly blink for a few seconds.

Ointments

• Calendula and aloe vera leaf can both be used as natural ointments. Apply either one lightly on the lash line. Calendula is a natural anti-inflammatory that has both antiviral and antibacterial properties, while aloe vera is a cooling natural astringent.

Considerations

• Each holistic application should be used at least twice a day.

  Treatment should be followed with a healthy diet. Increase your vitamin C, zinc, and garlic intake.

  Wash your hands often and disinfect commonly touched surfaces.

  - Avoid touching your eyes directly without washing your hands before and after.

  - Use separate and fresh cotton balls, compresses, tea bags, and etc. for each eye.

  - Above all, consult your doctor before trying any holistic treatment, especially if you have a preexisting eye condition.