The conjunctivitis is nothing but inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the membrane that covers the eye and can become inflamed or irritated for several reasons. Here you’ll find several home remedies for conjunctivitis
Children are usually most affected, although adults are not immune to it. The first signs of conjunctivitis are the reddish eye accompanied by that sensation of having sand in the eyes, burning and blurred vision, in the most advanced cases there may be the presence of fluids in the eye.
Conjunctivitis is a highly contagious ocular disease, so it is of the utmost importance that you avoid touching or scratching the compromised eye so as not to infect the other healthy eye as well. In case of contact lenses, they should remove for treatment and replace as soon as the infection disappears.
How Does Conjunctivitis Occur?
Conjunctivitis can arise through viruses, bacteria or allergies. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are contagious and should treat in appropriate ways.
Causes Of Conjunctivitis
The leading causes of conjunctivitis are:
- The viruses
- Bacteria
- Allergies
Viral Conjunctivitis:
Usually caused by a virus called ” Adenovirus,” is highly contagious. For example, if one eye is contaminated, it will take about 24h to 48h for the other eye to become infected. Its main form of contagion is by hands with residues of ocular secretion, respiratory problems like coughing and sneezing are other forms of contagion. It has a limited duration and can cure in 7 to 10 days without the aid of conventional treatments.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis:
Caused by bacteria: ” Staphylococcus aureus,” ” Streptococcus pneumoniae,” ” Haemophilus influenzae,” ” Moraxella catarrhalis ” or ” Pseudomonas aeruginosa,” is not very common. Its contagion is the same as viral conjunctivitis, which difference is that sneezing and coughs are rarely associated with this type of conjunctivitis, meaning you need direct contact to be contaminated.
However, it’s worth remembering that both the virus and the bacteria can be on the skin and other objects. So, do not share objects like towels, bedding, clothes with infected people. Bacterial conjunctivitis needs to treat with antibiotic eye drops.
Allergic Conjunctivitis:
Caused by inflammation of the conjunctiva when exposed to substances in the air that irritate, such as pollen, dust, animal hair, mold, among others. It is not transmissible, so it is not necessary, to separate objects and not to miss work or school. What differs from other allergic conjunctivitis is the constant ocular itching, other allergic symptoms such as sneezing or coryza may be present.
There are also other forms of conjunctivitis known, such as neoplastic origin:
- Irritation caused by contact lenses
- Contact-induced by shampoo
- Pool Chlorine
- Smoke
- Dirt
- Medicines
Bacteria can infect newborns in the birth canal, this condition is called neonatal ophthalmia and should treat immediately to preserve vision.
Can You Cure Conjunctivitis In 1 Day?
No, there is no way to cure conjunctivitis in just 1 day, as they can last up to 15 days even following medical advice. What you need to do is to follow the treatment correctly, so gradually conjunctivitis will disappear. It is also worth noting that the duration of conjunctivitis differs from person to person, so this factor should not take into account.
Home Remedies For Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is not harmful and usually goes away in about 10 days or before. However, discomfort and pain should treat early, and some home remedies are beneficial for this.
1. Compressed With Cold Water
No doubt this is the most suitable remedy for any conjunctivitis since cold water helps to reduce swelling and cleanses the eyes.
Ingredients:
- Gauze or cotton
- 250 ml of cold filtered water
How To Apply:
- Wet the piece of cotton or gauze in cold water and apply over the closed eye.
- Leave it on for a few minutes.
- Do this several times a day until you notice an improvement in symptoms.
2. Hot Compress
A warm compress over the eyelid can be very useful in reducing the inflammation caused by conjunctivitis.
Ingredients:
- A cloth
- Warm Water
How To Apply:
- Clean the cloth and soak it in hot water and apply the cloth over the eyelid.
- Hold it for a few minutes.
- Repeat the process three or four times.
With this remedy, you can get relief from itching and pain caused by conjunctivitis.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a plant commonly available and with many healthy properties. It has a calming effect, is anti-inflammatory and is a natural hydrant for the skin.
How To Apply:
- Take a small piece of aloe vera and remove the sides with thorns.
- Remove all gel from the plant and pass to a container.
- Dip a cotton ball into aloe vera gel.
- Apply on closed eyes to clean them.
4. Honey
Honey is a very effective natural anti-inflammatory to treat conjunctivitis. It also has antiseptic properties.
How To Apply:
- Wash the eye with a little honey diluted in water may help to reduce inflammation.
- It will reduce itching and pain.
Honey also has moisturizing properties that eliminate dryness.
5. Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds can reduce the symptoms of conjunctivitis.
How To Apply:
- Boil the seeds with filtered water.
- Leave to cool.
- Then wash the eye with this infusion 3 or 4 times a day.
You will notice an improvement in symptoms.
Consider The Following
Although all these home remedies for conjunctivitis are useful, it does not mean that you can use them as a treatment without first consulting an ophthalmologist. Only a specialist can determine what is best for you.
