Struggling with Pink Eye? 10 Quick Ways to Help

Struggling with Pink Eye? 10 Quick Ways to Help The term "pinkeye" is used to refer to any condition that makes the whites of your eyes look red or pink. So many factors contribute to this condition, but conjunctivitis is the most common cause. It refers to the inflammation of the conjunctive, which is the layer of tissue covering the white of your eyes. Allergies and infections can both lead to conjunctivitis. Thankfully, you can use certain home remedies to reduce the discomfort and accelerate recovery.

Home Remedies for Pink Eye
Using home treatment for pink eye can help reduce your pain and accelerate recovery. It also prevents drainage from the eyes. For starters, ensure that you do not wear contacts until you have recovered completely. Here are some other steps to take:

1. Use a Cool Water Compress

To soothe your eyes, you can make use of a cool water compress. Take a clean, lint-free cloth, soak it in cool water, wring it out, and apply directly to your eyes for a few minutes. Do it several times a day to treat the issue. Keep in mind that you can use a warm compress as well, if that feels better. Also, ensure that you do not use the same cloth for both eyes.

2. Try Barberry Root
Barberry root provides you with berberine that has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-parasitic properties. It helps treat infections, Digestive Disorders, urinary tract infections, and indigestion. You can use it as eyewash and clear the infection. Simply take the barberry root and boil it in water. Once boiled, leave it for a while until it becomes cool. Now, use this solution to rinse your eyes.

3. Make Use of Honey

Thanks to its powerful antibiotic and antibacterial properties, honey can serve as one of the most effective home remedies for pink eye. You can make it more effective by mixing it with milk or water. You can apply honey directly to your eyes or mix 2 cups of water and 3 tablespoons of honey to prepare a solution. Simply rinse your eyes with this solution to clear the infection.

4. Try Goldenseal
This perennial plant comes with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties. It also contains berberine that helps clEar infection and treats conjunctivitis.

Mix a cup of boiled water and 2 teaspoons of goldenseal. You can use it to deal with your infection. You can also make eye drops by adding 1/8 teaspoon of goldenseal to a cup of boiled water along with comfrey and chamomile. Let it steep for 15 minutes, strain it, and use as eye drop.

5. Use Probiotics

Increasing your intake of probiotics helps increase the number of good bacteria in your body. This improves your immune system and makes it easier for your body to handle infections, such as pink eye. Kefir and colostrums are among the best probiotics.

6. Opt for Turmeric
With its healing compounds, turmeric is among the best home remedies for pink eye. It also possesses strong antibacterial properties and can help eliminate bacteria that cause pink eye symptoms. Take a cup of boiled water and add two tbsp. of turmeric powder to it. Mix well and then soak a clean washcloth in it. Apply it to your eyes as a warm compress to clear your infection.

7. Enjoy the Benefits of Neem Oil

Neem oil has soothing properties and is therefore a good remedy to help deal with irritated skin caused by pink eye. Thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it can also relieve other symptoms of conjunctivitis. Simply take some neem oil and apply it around your eye and eyelid before going to sleep at night.

8. Try Salt Water
It is a good idea to try salt water to clear the infection and relieve the symptoms of pink eye. You can use Himalayan pink rock salt for good results, but regular salt will also do. Boil some water and then add a teaspoon of salt to it. Mix well, and when cool enough, soak a cotton ball in it and use it to wipe the affected area.

9. Use Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

Apple cider vinegar can make your body more acidic, which in turn will make it difficult for bacteria to survive in this environment. It has powerful antiviral and antibacterial properties and is among the best home remedies for pink eye. It strengthens your defense from the inside and gives your body the power to eliminate bacteria that may be causing symptoms of pink eye. It also helps improve the number of good bacteria in your system and boosts immunity. Mix a tablespoon of vinegar in a cup of water. Soak a clean cloth in this mixture and use it to wipe clean the affected area.

10.Let Aloe Vera Do the Magic
Aloe Vera gel is the mixture of antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. With these properties, it works great for conjunctivitis. Take a piece of fresh Aloe Vera and extract its gel. Take a few drops and apply directly to your eyes. Do it several times a day until you notice some relief.

Incubation Period for Pink Eye

Incubation Period for Pink Eye

Conjunctivitis is also referred to as red eye and is quite common. It is also called infectious conjunctivitis. The front of the eye is covered with a thin tissue layer which gets red and inflamed. It can either be bacterial or viral conjunctivitis depending on the causative factor. When pink eye is caused by irritation or allergens, it is not contagious. Pink eye causes watering in the eyes and itchiness. When caused due to Allergy, there is a sticky coating on the eyes. Incubation period for pink eye is the time frame when the transmission happens and the symptoms begin to show.

What Is the Incubation Period for Pink Eye?
Once the eye gets infected by bacteria or virus, the symptoms do not appear immediately. The incubation period for viral infection is 12 hours to 3 days. When caused by bacteria, the symptoms appear after 1 – 3 days.

1. Is Pink Eye Contagious During Incubation Period?
Pink eye caused by virus or bacteria is highly contagious, but during the incubation period for pink eye, it is not contagious. Bacterial Conjunctivitis becomes contagious when the symptoms start to appear and continue for 24 hours after an antibiotic is given. For viral conjunctivitis, it is contagious from the time the symptoms appear and last for around 14 days.

2. What Happens After Incubation Period?
After incubation period, the symptoms of pink eye begin to develop, including:

• Itchiness and irritation, and the conjunctiva slowly turns pink or red due to inflammation


• Swelling and redness of the eyelids and profuse watering of eyes


• A feeling of having sand in the eyes when you blink


• Burning sensation and photo sensitivity


• Wind and cold air can cause stinging sensation in the eyes


• Watery discharge is seen in viral infection and thick while pus-like discharge is seen in bacterial infection


• It can affect one or both eyes, if one is infected, it will affect the other as well

Remedies for Pink Eye
Usually treatment is not required for conjunctivitis as it heals in around a week. The treatment, if required, depends on the cause of the infection. Here are several things that you need to pay attention to.

1. Remove Contact Lenses
It is important to remove the lenses, clean them thoroughly and store. You should wear glasses till it heals.

2. Apply Cold or Warm Compresses
Cool compress is better for allergic conjunctivitis, whereas for an infection, a warm and moist compress feels more soothing. It helps in reducing the swelling and redness. Separate compress should be used for your eyes to avoid transferring, especially after the incubation period for pink eye.

3. Keep Your Eyes Clean
It is important to keep the eyes clean by wiping from inside out. A clean cloth or cotton should be used in single Stroke and avoid pushing the drained fluid back into the eyes. It should be discarded immediately or put in laundry. Wash hands thoroughly after wiping.

4. Medication
Antibiotics are administered for bacterial infection as drops or ointments. No medicines are given for viral infections. When allergens are involved, anti-allergic medication is given in form of pills or drops. The eyes should not be exposed to further allergens, as it can worsen the condition. Irritants can be removed from the eyes by washing. If irritant is a harmful substance like acid, medical help should be sought as soon as possible.

When to See a Doctor
A doctor should be consulted immediately in case of the following symptoms:

• Pain in the eyes


• Photosensitivity or Photophobia


• ŸDisturbances in the vision


• Redness in eyes


• Conjunctivitis in a newborn baby

When Can I Return to School or Work?
Incubation period for pink eye caused by virus is around 12 hours to 3 days and a person can go back to work or school when the symptoms improve. That would be in 3 to 5 days. For bacterial infection, the person can go back to work 24 hours after antibiotic has been administered and symptoms start improving.

When a lot of children at school have conjunctivitis, you’d better not send your child to school till the infection is cleared. When someone who has pink eye works closely with you and shares equipment, you should ask him or her to return to work only after the discharge clears.

Is It Pink Eye or Allergies?

Is It Pink Eye or Allergies?

With so much pollen and other allergens floating through the air, sometimes your eyes can be as red and swollen as if you had pink eye. If your eye is bothering you, you might start to wonder: is it pink eye or allergies? The truth is that sometimes, it can be tough to tell. However, it is very important to understand which one you have in order to treat it appropriately.

Pink Eye or Allergies: What Are the Differences?
Conjunctivitis is the term for an eye infection, or an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the tissue on the eyelid and the white area of the eyeball. Conjunctivitis can be caused by allergies, a virus, a bacterium, or mechanical irritation.

Allergy
Those who suffer from seasonal allergies, including the terrible itching of the eyes, have experienced allergic conjunctivitis. These allergies will lead to itchiness, a clear watery discharge from the eyes, and swelling. The condition can be chronic, meaning that it won't go away very easily. Anything can cause this if you are allergic to it, but the most common culprits are dust, pollen, pet dander and mold.

Pink Eye
Pink eye (also known as conjunctivitis) can be caused by viral, bacterial and mechanical irritation, as well as allergies that has been talked above. However, it is a bit more serious and might require medications to eradicate. The most common symptoms include redness, itching and swelling, as well as a gritty feeling in the eye, tearing of the eye, and a discharge that creates a crust around or over the eye in the evening. This means that it might be tough to actually open your eyes in the morning.

How to Treat Eye Problems Accordingly
Whether you have pink eye or allergies, figuring out which one is important – you need the proper treatments in order to get better. That's why you should always check with the doctor first, before you take any over the counter or home remedies.

In most cases, the doctor can examine your eye and tell you what is going on. If the problem is severe, with your corneas affected, or if you are having repeated issues with this, the doctor might take a sample of the secretions from your eye in order to run tests.

In some cases, medication will be prescribed. In the cases of severe allergies, further allergy testing will be recommended to get to the source of the problem.

1. Allergic Conjunctivitis
If the problem is caused by an allergy, over the counter medications can help relieve the symptoms while you and your doctor search for the allergen of the problem. Removing the allergen is the only way to truly clear up the problem.

2. Viral Conjunctivitis
Much like the Common Cold, there is no surefire cure for this. It must run a course of four to seven days. But remember, during that time you are highly contagious, so avoid touching your eye and wash your hands often.

3. Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Pink eye caused by bacteria can be treated with medications, including eye drops, ointments or pills. You might also be prescribed eye drops that will numb the eye and help ease the pain of the inflammation. It should go away within one week.

4. Irritation Conjunctivitis
If your eye has been injured by some sort of irritant, your doctor will recommend irrigating the eye with cool water for at least five minutes. The problem should improve within hours. If it is something very caustic causing the problem, get in touch with the doctor immediately.

Though the over the counter eye drops intended for irritation can help, keep in mind that they only mask the symptoms, especially if you are dealing with a viral or bacterial infection. Speak with your doctor before you use any drops in your eyes.

Can You Prevent Pink Eye?
Whether you have pink eye or allergies, there is no doubt it feels awful – and you want to avoid it at all costs. Then what should you do?

• Never rub or touch your eyes. If you must touch your eyes, wash your hands first.


• Wash your hands frequently, especially after being in a public place. You can also use hand sanitizer to help keep things clean when you can't get to soap and water.


• Never share personal items with friends, including towels or tissues, and never share contact lenses with anyone.


• ŸBe prepared for seasonal allergies and do what you can to eliminate or reduce your exposure to the allergens.


• Keep your environment clean; use disinfecting wipes on surfaces, such as countertops, computer keyboards and the like.


• Wear goggles when swimming to help protect your eyes from viruses and bacteria that might be in the water.


• Never wear your contact lenses in the shower, the pool, or anywhere else that might trap water between the lens and your eye.


• Always use lens cleaner as directed, and follow directions for cleaning and replacement exactly as stated.

Get to know the spread of pink eye to better prevent it as much as possible by watching the video below:

How Is Pink Eye Spread?

How Is Pink Eye Spread?

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is an infection or inflammation of the clear membrane that covers the white parts of your eyes. When small blood vessels within the eye become inflamed, they're more visible, and appear pink. Pink eye is commonly caused by a viral infection, bacterial infection, or an allergic reaction, and it may affect one or both eyes.

Is Pink Eye Contagious?
Whether the pink eye is contagious or not depends on the cause of your conjunctivitis. Pink eyes are categorized into 3 different types based on the sources of the irritation:

• Viral conjunctivitis. Caused by a virus, it is one way of how is pink eye spread to others. This type of pink eye is very contagious. Adenoviruses are the most common cause, and it’s also a common respiratory virus that can also cause upper respiratory infections and Sore Throats.


• Bacterial Conjunctivitis. Caused by bacteria, this type of pink eye may cause serious damage to the eye if untreated. Topical anti-microbial therapy is indicated for bacterial pink eye, which is usually distinguished by a fluid discharge.


• Allergic conjunctivitis. It is caused by eye allergies causing pink eye that affects both eyes. It is triggered by certain substances such as pollen, animal dander, Dust Mites, cosmetics, contact lenses and lens solution.

Among the three typesof pink eye, viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are always contagious, but pink eye caused by Allergy will not infect other people.

How Is Pink Eye Spread?
Most people get pink eye through the following ways:

• You have direct contact with someone who infected with the bacterial or viral form of pink eye.


• You expose yourself to something that you have an allergy to.


• You have used contact lenses which arenot clean enough.

How to Prevent It from Spreading
It’s important to remember how is pink eye spread, so as to take precautions to significantly reduce the risk of getting pink eye. The following methods will help a lot.

• Wash your hands frequently at home and when in public places.


• Keep a hand disinfectant (anti-bacterial) handy, and use it often.


• Never share personal items such as bath towels, hand towels, or washcloths.


• Sanitize the surfaces of bathroom vanities, counter-tops, faucet/door handles and shared phones with an appropriate antiseptic cleaner.


• Cover your mouth and nose using the inside of your elbow when Sneezing or coughing, and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.


• Know the pollen count in your area. If you suffer from allergies, consult with your physician on ways to minimize the symptoms before they begin.


• If you wear contacts, consider switching to daily disposable contacts, or be sure to follow your optometrist’s instructions for lens care/replacement, and use contact lens solutions properly.


• Do not share your special effect or color contact lenses with others.


• Before bathing, showering, or swimming, remove your contact lenses to avoid trapping bacteria between the lenses and your eyes.


• When swimming, wear goggles to protect your eyes from bacteria and microorganisms in the water that may cause pink eye.

How to Avoid Spreading It to Others
Apart from preventing from being infected, it is also vital for the patients to learn how to avoid spreading it to other people.

• Don't go swimming during your infection, because water is an easy way for the bacteria to spread.


• Never share personal items with others, especially towel, washcloths, eye make-up, and eyeglasses.


• Don’t go back to school or company unless your infection passes. It will take you 3-7 days until the symptoms clear up.


• After you reture to school or company, tell people that you had a pink eye so that they could take some precautions.

Symptoms You’ll Have If You’re Infected
The symptoms of pink eye may affect one or both eyes, and can include:

• Increased amount of tearing


• Pink or redness in the whites of the eyes or inner eyelids


• Gritty feeling in eye(s)


• A discharge that forms a crust overnight, which can prevent your eye(s) from opening in the morning


• Itchiness in eye(s)


• Blurry vision


• White or green secretion from eye(s)


• A burning sensation

How to Address the Discomfort
Apart from learning how is pink eye spread, it is also important to know how to ease your discomfort. There are some suggestions you can follow:

1. Eye-Drops or Ointment
With a viral pink eye, symptoms can last for 7-10 days and then will disappear on their own, although severe cases may last longer. In most cases, no treatment is available for viral conjunctivitis. However, for bacterial pink eye, an ophthalmologist usually will prescribe antibiotic ointment or eye-drops when treating the infection, and taking an antibiotic may speed up the healing process.

2. Allergy Medications
Allergy medications can often help to shorten or prevent episodes of allergic conjunctivitis. Sometimes these medicines have to be started before allergy season or before any symptoms begin. If you wear contacts, and have allergic conjunctivitis, remove contact with the allergen first, then remove the other contact and wear glasses until your symptoms have completely gone away. Make sure to thoroughly clean your contacts and the storage case.

3. Home Remedies
Self-help treatment for pinkeye can help reduce the discomfort of pink eye. Try applying a cool/warm damp cloth to the eye(s) by soaking in water. Then gently apply the compress to your closed eye(s) several times daily. If only one eye is affected, take care not to touch the healthy eye, to prevent spreading the infection from one eye to the other.

When to See Your Healthcare Provider
Many cases of conjunctivitis are usually mild and even do not need treatment. However, there may be times when it becomes important to see a health care provider for more specific treatment and close follow-up. You should see a health care provider if you have pink eye and any of the following conditions:

• Increased sensitivity to light, or blurry vision


• Intense redness in the eye(s)


• Symptoms that don't improve or get worse, including bacterial pink eye that doesn’t improve after 24 hours of antibiotic use


• Moderate to severe pain in your eye(s)


• A pre-existing eye condition that can put you at risk for complications or severe infection


• A weakened immune system, such as Hiv or Cancer treatment

Pink Eye – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Remedies, Prevention, Diagnosis, Pictures

Pink Eye – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Remedies, Prevention, Diagnosis, Pictures

What exactly is Pink eye?

Pink eye or conjunctivitis is an infection or inflammation of the transparent membrane known as conjunctiva which lines part of the eyeball as well as the lining of the eyelid. Inflammation causes very small blood vessels in the conjunctiva to be more noticeable, and this is what causes the red or pink cast to the whites of the eye – therefore the name “pink eye”.

The reason for the development of pink eye is usually a viral or bacterial infection, allergic reaction or especially in babies, a tear duct that is opened incompletely.

Although the inflammation of pink eye may be very irritating, it will rarely affect the actual vision of the eye. If an individual believes they might have pink eye, they need to take steps to ease the discomfort. But due to the fact that pink eye may be contagious, it is important for early diagnosis as well as treatment in order to help in limiting its spread.

Pink Eye Symptoms

Common symptoms of pink eye consist of:

• Redness in both or only one eye


• Gritty feeling in both or only one eye


• Itchiness in both or only one eye


• Discharge in both or only one eye that can form a crust during the night


• Tearing

It is important to make an appointment with the eye specialist if an individual notices any symptoms or signs that are thought to be pink eye. Pink eye in some cases may be highly contagious for as much as 2 weeks after symptoms and signs begin. With an early diagnosis one can protect people around you from getting pink eye, get treatment in order to help cope with the symptoms as well as reduce any risk of complications.

Pink Eye Causes

Pink eye causes consist of:

• Bacteria


• Virus


• Allergies


• Foreign object in eye


• Chemical splash in eye


• Newborns, tear duct blocked


• Most cases of pink eye are from virus

Bacterial and Viral pink eye
Bacterial pink eye as well as viral pink eye can affect both or only one eye. Viral conjunctivitis normally produces a discharge that is watery. Bacterial pink eye frequently creates a thick, green-yellow drainage. Both bacterial as well as viral pink eye may be linked with the Common Cold or with indications of an infection of the respiratory system, for instance a throat that is sore.

Both bacterial as well as viral infections are extremely contagious. Children and adults alike may have either of these kinds of conjunctivitis. But, bacterial pink eye is usually found in children more.

Allergic pink eye
This type of pink eye disturbs both eyes at the same time as well as being a reaction to some Allergy triggering material such as pollen. When responding to allergens, the body produces antibodies referred to as immunoglobulin E or IgE. This then produces distinctive cells in the lining of the eyes as well as the airways referred to as mast cells which release elements that are inflammatory, including histamines. The body’s discharge of histamine may produce numerous allergy symptoms including pink or red eyes.

With allergic conjunctivitis, an individual can experience very intense itching, inflammation as well as watering of the eyes –and nasal discharge that is watery with sneezing. Most allergic pink eye can be managed with over-the-counter eyedrops for allergies.

Pink eye caused by irritation
Irritation by some splash of a chemical or foreign type object in the eye is likewise linked with pink eye. Often cleaning and flushing the eye to rid it of the object or the chemical causes irritation as well as redness. Symptoms and signs which can include a mucous discharge and watery eyes normally get better by themselves within a day.

Pink eye risk factors consist of:

• Being exposed to any individual with a bacterial or viral pink eye infection


• Being exposed to any allergen that causes allergic pink eye


• Wearing extended-wear contact lenses

In adults and children, pink eye can cause the cornea to become inflamed and that may affect vision in that eye. Rapid appraisal and immediate treatment can decrease any risk of difficulties.

Pink Eye Diagnosis

In order to determine what is wrong with the eye, the eye doctor will examine the eyes. He/she can also obtain a sample of secretions from the eye for analysis in the lab to diagnose what kind of infection the individual may have and what is needed for treatment.

You're reading Pink Eye – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Remedies, Prevention, Diagnosis, Pictures posted by minhhai2d, the information is for reference only.

Pink Eye Treatment

Treatment of bacterial pink eye
If the infection is caused by bacteria, the eye doctor can advise antibiotic eyedrops for the treatment of pink eye and this infection will normally be gone within a few days. Antibiotic ointment for the eye rather than eyedrops is often prescribed for the treatment of pink eye from bacteria in children. Ointments are usually easier to manage with young children or infants than are eyedrops, although the ointment can cause blurry vision for as long as 20 minutes after applying it. Using either type of drug will clear up symptoms and signs of pink eye with in a very few days. Always follow the doctor’s instructions and use these antibiotics until the total supply runs out in order to stop recurrence of the infection.

Treatment of viral pink eye
For viral pink eye there is no treatment. The virus only needs time to run its course which is up to 2 or 3 weeks. Viral pink eye normally starts in one eye and then the other eye becomes infected in several days. The symptoms and signs will normally clear up on its own.

Medications that are antiviral can be a decision when the physician concludes that the viral pink eye is from the Herpes Simplex virus.

Treatment for allergic pink eye
If the eye is irritated by allergic pink eye, the physician can prescribe one of many types of eyedrops on the market for individuals with allergies. These drops can include decongestants, mast cell stabilizers, and antihistamines, anti-inflammatory as well as steroid drops. The severity of the allergic pink eye symptoms can be reduced by avoiding the cause of the allergies when possible.

Home Remedies

In order to help manage the symptoms and signs of pink eye while waiting for it to get better, try this:

Applying an eye compress
Make this compress by soaking a lint-free clean cloth in water and squeeze it out. Then gently apply it over eyelids that are closed. A cool compress can aid in relieving allergic pink eye. If the individual is suffering with viral or bacterial pink eye, a warm compress may be preferred. If pink eye only affects one eye, do not touch both eyes with the exact same compress. This will reduce the chance of spreading the pink eye to the uninfected eye.

Eyedrops
There are many over-the-counter eyedrops referred to as artificial tears which can help to relieve symptoms. Some of these eyedrops can contain antihistamines or other drugs that can help individuals with allergic pink eye.

Do not wear contacts
If you are a contact lens wearer, they may need to be stopped until the eyes are better. How long normally depends on what kind of pink eye you have. If you have disposable contacts, ask your doctor if the lenses as well as lens case and cleaning solution need to be thrown out. If you do not have disposable lenses, make sure the contacts are cleaned thoroughly before wearing them again.

Pink Eye Prevention

Use good hygiene in order to manage the spreading of pink eye. For example:

• Do not touch the eyes with hands


• Use clean washcloth and towel daily


• Wash hands often


• Do not share washcloths or towels


• Throw away eye makeup, such as mascara often


• Change pillowcases often


• Do not share private eye-care articles or eye makeup

Even when symptoms of pink eye can get better in 3 or 4 days, children who have viral pink eye can be communicable for a week or even more. Children can go back to school when they no longer have symptoms of tearing or matting of the eyes.

If a child has bacterial pink eye, keep the child from school while treatment is being started. Many schools as well as child care centers require that the child wait as much as 24 hours once beginning treatment before going back to child care or school. Ask the physician if you have questions concerning your child returning to child care or school.

Preventing newborns from Pink eye

Newborn’s eyes are extremely prone to bacteria normally in the mother’s birth canal. The bacterium triggers no symptoms in the mother. In some very rare cases, this bacterium may cause the infant to develop a very serious type of pink eye known as ophthalmia neonatorum, and needs treatment immediately to protect the eye sight. This is why that after delivery, an antibiotic ointment is normally applied to each newborn’s eyes. This ointment AIDS in preventing this infection.

Pink Eye Pictures