Viral Pink Eye Remedy: Relief Without Medication
Viral pink eye is a self-limiting condition that clears up without any treatment.
It resolves itself in one to two weeks.
Viruses are responsible for 80% of cases of acute Conjunctivitis.
There is no treatment to cure viral Conjunctivitis.
It only aims to provide symptomatic relief and reduce the duration of the illness.
Hence, viral pink eye remedy come in handy to ensure you get relief from inflammation and discomfort.
In this article, we discuss these remedies in detail, along with some ways to prevent the spread of the infection.
Cold compress
Compresses are believed to help relieve the discomfort caused by pink eye.
It does not cure pink eye, but it helps reduce inflammation.
The following are some of the ways to make a cold compress at home:
- Dampen a clean washcloth in cold water and place it over your eyes.
- Freeze a clean and damp towel in the freezer for some time before applying it over your eyes.
- Put small pieces of ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a clean washcloth and use it on the eyes.
It is advisable not to apply ice directly to the skin.
You can, however, repeat the treatment every few hours if needed.
Remember that if you have an infection in just one eye, do not reuse the washcloth.
This can cause the infection to spread to the other eye.
Artificial tears
Using artificial tears is one of the recommended viral pink eye remedies.
Artificial tears are eye drops that help lubricate and moisten the eyes.
They help relieve the symptoms of viral pink eye, like itching, redness, and burning sensation.
They also help get rid of allergens that cause Conjunctivitis.
These drops are available in the market without any prescription.
Rosewater
Rosewater has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
You can, therefore, use it to get relief from the inflammation caused due to pink eye.
To use rose water, simply put cotton rounds soaked in rose water over your eyelids.
Another possible way to use rose water is to put a drop or two of rosewater directly into the eye for relief.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has been used for centuries for its anti-inflammatory and healing characteristics.
Before trying the treatment, test aloe vera gel on your arm or leg to check for allergies.
Scoop out aloe vera gel straight from the leaves.
Mix one teaspoon of this fresh gel in two tablespoons of cold water.
Dampen cotton rounds in this solution and place them over your eyelids for 10-15 minutes.
A study also shows that aloe vera extract in a suitable form can also be used in eyedrops for treating inflammation and other problems of the external parts of the eye, like the cornea.
Over-the-counter medication
Over-the-counter medications do not require a doctor’s prescription.
These medications are safe to use when taken cautiously.
Since most cases of pink eye are painful, you can take over-the-counter painkillers to help relieve it.
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are usually prescribed to treat symptoms of viral pink eye.
If discomfort persists or symptoms worsen, see a doctor immediately.
They do not cure the infection but can be used to reduce pain and inflammation caused by it.
NSAIDs, such as Ibuprofen and Diclofenac, are available over the counter and can be taken for symptomatic relief.
Also Read: Want to know more about the treatment options for viral pink eye? Read our informative article, “Viral Pink Eye Treatment: Know it All.”
Take rest
Resting and staying indoors helps your body heal and prevents others from catching the infection from you.
“You want to energize your body’s immune system as much as possible to help fight off whatever’s infecting the eye.”
Dr.Vivienne Hau
According to her, viral pink eye remedies include:
- Plenty of rest
- Staying hydrated
- A nutritious diet
- No stress
How to avoid the spread
If you have contracted viral Conjunctivitis, ensuring it does not spread further is as important as self-care.
Discussed below are some ways you can prevent the spread of viral Conjunctivitis.
Avoid makeup
Putting makeup on or around the eyes might cause irritation and swelling.
Additionally, using makeup while you have pink eye might contaminate the makeup and make it unsuitable for use in the future.
Also, do not share your makeup products with other people.
Avoid wearing contact lenses
Doctors recommend avoiding contact lenses until your eye(s) heal from the infection.
They might also suggest throwing away the soft contacts you have worn.
This is so because wearing contacts while you have an infection might cause damage to the cornea.
Other prevention tips
Considering how contagious viral pink eye is, it becomes important to take appropriate hygiene measures to inhibit the further spread of the virus.
Since viral Conjunctivitis can spread through contact, you must wash your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water.
Also, avoid rubbing or even touching your eyes.
The infected person should not share their pillows, towels, or other belongings with others.
Someone with viral pink eye should avoid being in a crowd to prevent others from the infection.
Takeaway
Viral pink eye is contagious but self-limiting.
It has no prescribed treatment and usually clears up by itself within two weeks.
But, in the meantime, home remedies, such as cold compresses, artificial tears, etc., can be used to provide relief from pain and inflammation.
Besides, preventive measures to stop the spread of infection are essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you treat viral pink eye at home?
There are no medications to treat viral pink eye, but its symptoms can be reduced using remedies. Using a cold compress and artificial tears might help provide relief. Besides, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can also help relieve symptoms of viral pink eye.
Should I stay home if I have viral pink eye?
Viral pink is highly contagious. It is, therefore, advisable for a person infected with a viral pink eye to stay away from crowded places for as long as the symptoms persist.
Can a kid go to school with viral pink eye?
Doctors usually recommend that kids with contagious Conjunctivitis stay away from school till their symptoms don’t subside. You might also want to consider the school’s policy regarding the same.
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