Ask a doctor - How can I reduce conjunctivitis?

Reducing the discomfort and duration of conjunctivitis also known as pink eye involves a combination of self-care measures and in some cases medical treatment The approach can vary depending on the cause of the conjunctivitis viral bacterial or allergic Here are some general steps you can take to help alleviate conjunctivitis Practice Good Hygiene Wash your hands frequently with soap and water especially before touching your face or eyes Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes to prevent the spread of infection Cold Compresses Applying a clean cold compress over closed eyelids can help relieve inflammation itching and discomfort Use a clean cloth or a cold eye mask for this purpose Artificial Tears Lubricating or artificial tear drops can help soothe dryness and discomfort caused by conjunctivitis Choose preservative-free drops and use them as directed Avoid Irritants Stay away from smoke dust pollen and other potential allergens that can exacerbate allergic conjunctivitis Eye Cleansing For bacterial conjunctivitis with discharge gently clean the eyelashes and eyelids using warm water and a clean cloth or cotton ball Use a separate clean cloth for each eye Avoid Contact Lenses If you wear contact lenses temporarily switch to glasses until the conjunctivitis clears up Contact lenses can exacerbate discomfort and potentially worsen the condition Prescribed Treatments If your conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria your doctor might prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments to help clear the infection Antihistamines Allergic conjunctivitis can benefit from antihistamine eye drops or oral antihistamines Consult a healthcare professional before using any medication Hygiene and Cleanliness Wash bed linens pillowcases and towels frequently in hot water to prevent reinfection Rest and Avoid Contagion If your conjunctivitis is contagious it 39 s important to avoid close contact with others to prevent spreading the infection

Q. How can I reduce conjunctivitis?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Reducing the discomfort and duration of conjunctivitis, also known as "pink eye," involves a combination of self-care measures and, in some cases, medical treatment. The approach can vary depending on the cause of the conjunctivitis (viral, bacterial, or allergic). Here are some general steps you can take to help alleviate conjunctivitis:

Practice Good Hygiene:

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before touching your face or eyes.
Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes to prevent the spread of infection.

Cold Compresses:

Applying a clean, cold compress over closed eyelids can help relieve inflammation, itching, and discomfort. Use a clean cloth or a cold eye mask for this purpose.

Artificial Tears:

Lubricating or artificial tear drops can help soothe dryness and discomfort caused by conjunctivitis. Choose preservative-free drops and use them as directed.

Avoid Irritants:

Stay away from smoke, dust, pollen, and other potential allergens that can exacerbate allergic conjunctivitis.

Eye Cleansing:

For bacterial conjunctivitis with discharge, gently clean the eyelashes and eyelids using warm water and a clean cloth or cotton ball. Use a separate clean cloth for each eye.

Avoid Contact Lenses:

If you wear contact lenses, temporarily switch to glasses until the conjunctivitis clears up. Contact lenses can exacerbate discomfort and potentially worsen the condition.

Prescribed Treatments:

If your conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria, your doctor might prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments to help clear the infection.

Antihistamines:

Allergic conjunctivitis can benefit from antihistamine eye drops or oral antihistamines. Consult a healthcare professional before using any medication.

Hygiene and Cleanliness: