It is the inflammation of the conjunctiva and is commonly known as pinkeye. It is a very common condition and one can easily get past this condition without much hassle. It starts off very quickly and lasts for a short period. Acute conjunctivitis usually clears without much problem but if it is severe you would have to consult the doctor. The most common known reason for being affected with conjunctivitis is viral, allergic and bacterial. Conjunctivitis is primarily caused due to an allergy or a viral infection. Also often known as 'Pink Eye' this is the most common form of skin irritations. Conjunctivitis is caused when there is significant inflammation of the outermost protective layer of the eye. The whites of the eyes, due to inflammation, become pink in color. The eyelids also get swollen, therefore increasing the pink coloration in the eyes. The disease is therefore also known as pink eye.
The viral and bacterial conjunctivitis tend to be contagious. Some of the common conjunctivitis is the viral, bacterial, allergic, giant papillary conjunctivitis. In viral conjunctivitis one eye is usually affected and there is constant watering from the eyes and small quantity of discharge. Bacterial discharge affects both the eyes and discharge is very heavy which can be green or yellow color. Allergic reaction is one of the most common conjunctivitis which affects both the eyes and you suffer from constant itching and redness.
What causes conjunctivitis? Both bacteria and viruses could cause conjunctivitis. If these microbes are able to invade the lining of the eyes, it could cause the inflammation. Foreign objects in the eyes or allergies could also cause conjunctivitis. In turn, chronic conjunctivitis causes the inflammation of the eyes, which is responsible for all the symptoms of this disease. Chronic conjunctivitis can be caused due to microbial infestation. Some of the common symptoms which can be easily detected are the redness of the eyes. Constant itching with a red eye sometimes can be pink too. The eyes are swollen, watery, discharge from your eyes too. It can be painful too and sometimes in such condition too much light is not bearable for many. Both bacterial and viral conjunctivitis symptoms are the same. From seeing the symptoms, the cause of the infection cannot be determined. Pink eye conjunctivitis is very infectious and it is recommended that people who have this infection should stay away from others who may be susceptible to it. Some of the Pink eye conjunctivitis symptoms include roughness in the eyes, pain, swelling, tearing, cream colored discharge, and difficulty in blinking.
How to treat conjunctivitis? Treating conjunctivitis is relatively easy. After taking a thorough physical examination of your eyes, the doctor will prescribe you a course of antibiotics. If the infection is viral, antibiotics will not help the condition. However, if the condition has been caused by bacteria, the antibiotics may help. Allergic conjunctivitis treatment is usually done by giving antihistamines. Allergic conjunctivitis occurs with a lot of different symptoms accompanying the pink eye, and since conjunctivitis' contagious properties are not experienced in allergic conjunctivitis, doctors do not issue a lot of specific instructions for this condition. Both bacterial conjunctivitis treatment and viral conjunctivitis treatment can ideally be done in the same manner. When affected by such an infection, some of the common things which you can keep in mind. Keep washing your hands on regular basis and keep them away from your eyes. Sharing of your clothes, towels, pillows and any thing which can directly affect other person's eyes should be avoided. You should avoid sharing your eye makeup with anyone. To avoid any allergic reaction wear protective sunglasses and stay at home and avoid the dust.
Home remedies for conjunctivitis. For allergic conjunctivitis treatment for children, doctors usually give antihistamines in the form of eye drops. However a diluted calendula juice can be used as eye drops to improve inflammation in the eyes as well. Chronic conjunctivitis symptoms can be easily identified and therefore properly treated. Along with chronic conjunctivitis treatment and home remedies, it is also important to take supplements to boost the immune system so that recurring infections in the eyes can be avoided. Foods rich in antioxidants also improve the immune system, helping your body fight the infection in your eyes.
Conjunctivitis contagious period continues till the redness completely vanishes from the eye. Till this time, it is advisable not to share your pillows with anyone. Do not share your items of personal use with anyone till your symptoms have subsided. Conjunctivitis can be contagious during pregnancy as well. However, before taking any antibiotics make sure that you discuss your condition with a doctor. Home remedies for conjunctivitis in babies should ideally be done by using mild eyewash's. To make eyewash, boil a cup of water for about 10 minutes so that the water is completely sterile. Also sterilize the cup or the glass in which you will be creating the eyewash. Add half a teaspoon of baking soda to the water and use this to wash the eyes of the child. Since the condition is very contagious, change the container of the eyewash once you have used it.
Further pink eye conjunctivitis treatment can be done using warm compresses. Use a cotton pad, preferably made of sterilized cloth. Heat the pad by placing it next to a warm stove or a heater and then use it to apply heat to your eyes. You can also use a hot compress and add a few drops of chamomile oil to it. Chamomile has soothing properties and can help soothe your eyes completely so that it does not hurt anymore. You can also add a few drops of lavender oil to the compress for making a soothing remedy.
With the help of warm compresses and homemade eyewashes, treating conjunctivitis at home can be rather simple. However, try your best not to spread the infection so use only sterile objects. For treating conjunctivitis naturally, you can use aloe vera juice, which contains antimicrobial properties. There are some people who recommend treating conjunctivitis with breastmilk. However, it is not clear how that could help. In infants, breastmilk is the primary source of building immunity, and therefore this could be a useful remedy to prevent conjunctivitis in them.
Treating conjunctivitis in children is also simple, but it is better to discuss the treatment options with a doctor. Home remedies can be used but the infection needs to be contained as well. For infants and children, the treatment should be milder than that given to adults.
Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.