How to Treat Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

There are different kinds of pink eye treatments depend on which type of conjunctivitis you have, whether it is viral, bacterial or allergic.

Bacterial conjunctivitis can be treated successfully with antibiotics and sulfonamides. But you can’t apply the same treatment to other forms of conjunctivitis. Antibiotic eye drops or ointment may help bacterial conjunctivitis, but do not work for viral forms.

Get-rid-of-pink-eyeViral conjunctivitis usually lasts about a few days to several weeks and gradually clears up on its own. Special treatment may be necessary in cases that involve complications. Normally this type of pink eye does not require medication except in small children. A specialist should be involved when it comes to children.

Allergic conjunctivitis can be treated with artificial tears to dilute irritating allergens. Doctor may suggest different types of medication to relieve the symptoms, such as: Anti-inflammatory medication, Antihistamine medication or anti-allergy eye drops. It is important to always consult the doctor to get the most appropriate treatments.

However, there are simple home treatments for all types of pink eye. You can use cold compresses or warm compresses and place it on the outside of the eyelids. A cool compress may be better for the allergic conjunctivitis. And a warm, moist compress could be applied to pink eye caused by infection. It will soothe the eye and reduce redness and swelling. Be sure to use a different and clean compress for each eye.

To clean your eye, use clean surface for each wipe and start wiping from the inside (next to the nose) toward the outside. If you use tissues for cleaning, make sure to put them in the trash when you’re done. And if you use washcloths, put them in the laundry right away so that no one else picks them up or uses them. Do not forget to wash your hands after wiping your eyes to prevent contagion.

 

 

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