Pink Eye Treatment And Symptoms
September 30th, 2009
An irritation or inflammation of the membrane that lines the surface of the eye and the eyelid is called conjunctivitis or pink eye. Itching, tearing, burning, sensitivity to light, redness, swelling of the eyelids, drainage from the eye, and feeling as if there was something in the eye are common symptoms of pink eye.
Pink eye can be caused by allergies or infections from bacteria or viruses. Pink eye treatment is focused on relieving uncomfortable symptoms since most cases of pink eye are from viral infections which have no medical treatment. Since many cases of pink eye can be contagious, people with pink eye should try to avoid spreading the infection to others.
Prevention of pink eye includes frequent handwashing and avoiding touching tissues or washcloths that may have been used by the person with pink eye. Even though there are medicated drops for pink eye, many doctors do not typically prescribed them since they can easily become contaminated and prolong the infection instead of curing it.
During pink eye, people should not wear contact lenses. Pink eye will usually clear on its own within three to five days even without medical treatment. Home treatment for pink eye can help reduce the severity of the symptoms and make the person feel more comfortable.
Many people with pink eye use warm or cold compresses. Either warm or cold compresses can provide some relief. People may use whichever compress feels best, but should always use a clean compress for each eye.
Frequently washing the eye may provide some temporary relief. The eye is infected with pink eye should be wiped from the inside corner close the nose to the outside corner with a clean tissue, moistens cotton balls, or wet washcloth. Any tissues or cotton balls used need to be thrown away immediately after use.
Wash clothes and towels that are used by the person with pink eye should be placed in the laundry immediately after use. The same washcloth should not be used for both eyes or for more than one use.
One home remedy for pink eye uses a tea bag of green tea. The tea bag should be heeded in hot water for one minute, then used as a compress. After the tea bag has gone cold, some people squeezed a few drops of the green tea into the corner of the eye or along the eyelashes so that some of the tea may enter the eye.
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