Conjunctivitis

The conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye diseases. Usually it affects both eyes at the same time ; however, in some cases it begins in one eye and spreads to the other within a couple of days. It is a very annoying condition, although in the vast majority of cases it is not serious.

Conjunctivitis is a very contagious disease , which spreads very easily and quickly from one person to another.

What is conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the transparent membrane that covers the white area of ​​the surface of the eye . It is a disease that can occur at any age, and the most common symptoms are eye redness, tearing and itching.

Types of conjunctivitis

There are three different types of conjunctivitis, depending on what is causing the inflammation.

• Bacterial: as its name suggests, inflammation is caused by bacteria.
• Viral: Conjunctivitis can be caused by a virus that causes the common cold.
• Allergic – Certain allergens can also cause this condition; in this case, it is called allergic conjunctivitis.
• Chemistry: some chemicals can cause inflammation in the eye area, such as chlorine.

Conjunctivitis symptoms

One of the great advantages of this disease is that its symptoms are easily differentiated, both in adults and in children.

The eye becomes red and produces more tears . In addition, some patients experience a great burning sensation, as well as having a foreign body inside the eye. There is great sensitivity to light , both natural and artificial.

If the infection is of bacterial origin, yellow or green mucous membranes form at night , which stick to the eyelashes.

Diagnosis and treatment

When the patient goes to the doctor with the symptoms described in the previous apparatus, he takes a medical history and an eye examination.

If conjunctivitis has its origin in some type of allergen, it is usual for the patient to present a series of additional symptoms, such as dermatitis or rhinitis . In the case of infectious conjunctivitis, the doctor may order additional tests to identify the infectious agent .

Depending on the cause of the condition, the doctor will establish a certain treatment. First, the patient must clean his eyes with sterile saline solution . In the vast majority of cases, treatment consists of the application of corticosteroid eye drops.

These drops should be applied four to six times a day, and the treatment lasts approximately one week.

Generally, conjunctivitis is a disease that ends up healing itself. However, it is very important to treat it to prevent any type of infection and complication.

The vast majority of patients who follow the treatment as indicated by the doctor, overcome conjunctivitis without any sequelae, either in the short or long term.

Tips to prevent the spread of pink eye

This is one of the diseases that spreads more easily between people if it is of viral or bacterial origin. There are a number of measures that are worth taking into account to significantly reduce the risk of contracting conjunctivitis.

• Hand hygiene is key to preventing the spread of the disease. It is important to wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water .
• It is very important not to touch or rub your eyes. In case of itching or foreign body, a gauze should be used.
• As for bedding and towels, it is best to wash them in hot water and with detergent. People with conjunctivitis should not share towels, sheets, and pillowcases with other people.
• It is also not advisable to bathe in the pool since chlorine can significantly worsen the condition.

Conjunctivitis in newborns

If a newborn has the symptoms of conjunctivitis, it is important to see a doctor immediately. Generally, this disease in babies of a few days old has its origin in a sexually transmitted infection in the mother, as well as in irritation or even in a blocked tear duct.

The best home remedies for pink eye

There is a large selection of medical treatments to treat this disease. However, there are also several home remedies that significantly reduce inflammation and help relieve symptoms.

It is important to note that home remedies are very useful to clean and protect the eyes. However, they do not cure conjunctivitis. For this it is necessary to go to the doctor and that he prescribes the necessary medication for it.

Chamomile

One of the best home remedies to treat conjunctivitis in both adults and children. Chamomile is a 100% natural ingredient with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

The preparation and application of this remedy are very simple. The first thing you should do is prepare a chamomile infusion by adding several dried leaves of the plant to boiling water. Once you have it ready, let it temper and then soak a clean, dry cloth in the infusion. Close your eyes and place the cloth over them; let it work for a few minutes. You can repeat this process as many times as you need.

Cucumber

Cucumber is one of the best natural ingredients to reduce eye puffiness, one of the main symptoms of pink eye. In addition, it is rich in vitamin E and water.

You just have to cut a couple of cucumber slices and place them over the eyes for 10 to 15 minutes. Once the time has elapsed, remove and rinse with plenty of warm water; you will see how the puffiness of the eyes has practically disappeared.

Green Tea

Green tea is one of the most popular and effective home remedies for treating eye conditions : tired eyes, styes, dark circles … And, of course, conjunctivitis as well.

Applying this remedy is very simple. Prepare an infusion of green tea and, when it is warm, soak a couple of cotton balls in it and place them over the eyes. You will see how after a few minutes you notice the area much more relaxed, with the eyelids more relieved.

Thyme

Thyme is a 100% natural ingredient with great anti-inflammatory properties.

Its application can be done in two ways. On the one hand, you can prepare a thyme infusion and place both sachets directly on the eyes. Or, on the other hand, once the infusion is ready, soak a couple of cotton balls in it and place on the eyes.

Cold compresses

One of the easiest home remedies to apply and, also, one of the ones that works the best. Cold water compresses placed on the eyes facilitate the healing process as they significantly accelerate circulation in the area.