Basic First Aid

Conjunctivitis, also called pink eye, is the irritation or inflammation of the membrane that lines the eyelid and surface of the eye called the conjunctiva. Pink eye can cause I’m redness, itching, tearing, burning, swelling of the eyelids, sensitivity to light, drainage from the eye, and feeling as if there is something in the eye.

Allergies, bacterial infections, or viral infections can cause pink eye. Viral infections are the cause of most cases of pink eye. Since there are no medical treatments for pink eye caused by viral infection, pink eye treatment is focused on providing relief from uncomfortable symptoms.

Prevention of pink eye includes frequent handwashing and avoiding touching tissues or washcloths that may have been used by the person with pink eye. Even though there are medicated drops for pink eye, many doctors do not typically prescribed them since they can easily become contaminated and prolong the infection instead of curing it.

During pink eye, people should not wear contact lenses. Pink eye will usually clear on its own within three to five days even without medical treatment. Home treatment for pink eye can help reduce the severity of the symptoms and make the person feel more comfortable.

Warm or cold compresses may be reused depending on which one provides the most relief for the individual. People should always use clean compress is for each eye and for each application of compresses.

The eyes affected by pink eye should be washed frequently. With a tissue, wet washcloth, or moistened cotton ball, the eyes should be wiped from the inside corner close to the nose towards the outside. Tissues and cotton balls should be thrown away immediately to avoid the spread of pink eye.

Washclothes should be placed in the laundry after use for the same reason. The washcloth should not be used for both eyes or for more than one use without being washed between uses.

A home remedy for pink eye is to heat a tea bag of green tea in hot water for one minute before using it as a warm compress. Then after the tea bag goes cold, it should be squeezed to allow a little bit of the green tea onto the closed eyelid over the eyelashes so that some may go into the eye. If both eyes are infected, two tea bags should be used.

Filed under: Allergies