To cure pink eye (conjunctivitis) at home quickly and relieve symptoms, you can follow these effective self-care steps:
Home Remedies for Fast Relief from Pink Eye
- Use Cold or Warm Compresses:
Apply a cold compress to reduce inflammation and soothe irritation, especially if your pink eye is allergic. For bacterial or viral pink eye, a warm compress several times a day helps loosen crusts and relieve discomfort. Use a clean washcloth each time and avoid sharing it to prevent spreading the infection
- Artificial Tears or Lubricating Eye Drops:
Over-the-counter artificial tears can hydrate your eyes, reduce dryness, and soothe irritation. Avoid eye drops with redness removers, and always use a new dropper to prevent contamination
- Maintain Eye Hygiene:
Clean your eyelids gently with a damp, lint-free cloth to remove discharge. Use a separate cloth for each eye if both are infected
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers:
Use ibuprofen or acetaminophen to ease pain or discomfort associated with pink eye
- Avoid Contact Lenses and Eye Makeup:
Do not wear contact lenses or eye makeup until the infection clears to prevent irritation and spreading
- Manage Allergic Pink Eye:
If allergies cause your pink eye, OTC antihistamine eye drops and allergy medications like Zyrtec can help reduce symptoms
Important Precautions
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly to avoid spreading the infection.
- Do not share towels, pillowcases, makeup, or eye drops with others
- Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes
What to Avoid
- Avoid unproven and potentially harmful remedies such as putting breast milk, apple cider vinegar, or essential oils directly in or near your eyes, as these can worsen irritation or infection
- Do not use heat on itchy eyes; stick to cool or tepid rinses instead
When to See a Doctor
- If symptoms worsen or do not improve after a few days of home treatment.
- If you experience severe pain, vision changes, or intense redness
Following these steps can help you manage pink eye symptoms effectively at home and promote faster recovery