Prime
How to get rid of pink eye fast
Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is an infection caused by a virus. It is contagious but usually clears up within a week without medical treatment. Dr Pius Mwanja, a general practitioner at Lifelink Medical Centre in Ntinda, says some of these remedies can help.
Warm compress
Soak a soft, clean, lint-free cloth in water and wring it out to remove excess water. Apply it to closed eyes using gentle pressure. “Cold compresses are good for allergic conjunctivitis, but warm compresses are better for pink eyes caused by an infection. The compresses can spread infection from one eye to the other so it is important to use a different compress for each eye,” he says.
Green tea
The flavonoids in green tea relieve irritation and inflammation caused by pink eye while fighting bacterial and viral infections. Dip a green tea bag in boiled water and place it on the infected eye once it is cool enough to touch. Alternatively, make a cup of green tea and soak a clean cloth into it to create a warm compress.
Aloe vera gel
Dr Mwanja says, “Components in aloe vera gel, such as aloin and amodin, have antibacterial and antiviral properties and have the ability to reduce inflammation and speed up healing. Once you notice the signs of pink eye, wash fresh leaves of aloe vera and remove the outer covering of the leaf to access the gel. Apply it around the eye and eyelid.”
Turmeric
Turmeric has healing compounds and reduces inflammation. It also has antibacterial properties. Add two tablespoons of turmeric powder to one cup of boiled water. Soak a clean cotton pad in the mixture and use it as a warm compress over the affected eye.
