Pink eye is one of the most common infections that children can experience, especially if they’re of school age. The most common form of pink eye is highly contagious and can quickly pass from one child to another, causing discomfort and potentially leading to complications if it goes untreated.
Fortunately, there are various effective home remedies for pink eyes in kids that you can turn to. Take a closer look at what pink eye is and what effective treatment options can bring relief.
What Is Pink Eye?
Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the membrane that covers the eyes and eyelids. It can occur for a number of reasons. For example, there are infectious causes, including viruses in the adenovirus family, which can also be responsible for trips to your child’s pulmonary specialist because they often lead to respiratory infections.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is another common type of pink eye. The bacteria that cause meningitis, staph infections, and strep throat can all lead to this condition.
Pink eye can also have non-infectious causes, such as allergies, eye injuries that cause damage to the conjunctiva, and even immune disorders.
The signs of pink eye can vary depending on its cause, but the most common symptoms that your child may experience include:
- Irritated eyes
- Redness in the white of the eyes
- Discharge coming from the affected eye
- Light sensitivity
- The need to rub their eyes
- Eyelids that are swollen
In some instances, pink eye can cause fever. This is especially true if the pink eye is the result of an infection from bacteria.
Home Remedies for Pink Eyes in Kids
If your child is displaying some or all of the common signs of pink eye, you can turn to certain home remedies as well as over-the-counter medications for help in relieving some of their discomfort.
Warm or Cool Compresses
One of the most effective home remedies for pink eyes is a compress. If your child is experiencing discomfort or pain because of the swelling the condition causes, warm compresses can help increase blood flow to the area while also softening any crusting that may have developed from the discharge.
To create a warm compress, simply soak a clean cloth in warm water and wring out the excess before placing it over your child’s eyes for up to 10 minutes. Do this a few times a day, but be sure to use a clean cloth each time.
Alternatively, you can use a cool compress to treat itchiness. This can help prevent your child from rubbing their eyes, which only worsens the condition.
Tea Bags
Another of the most effective home remedies for pink eyes in kids is using tea bags for compresses. Chamomile and green tea, for instance, have anti-inflammatory effects that can quickly reduce eyelid swelling.
To prepare this type of compress, steep two tea bags in hot water for two to three minutes. Allow them to cool to room temperature, and place the bags over your kid’s closed eyes for up to 10 minutes. You can repeat this twice a day.
Saline Rinses
Saline can help flush out discharge, as well as any irritants that may be increasing the itching or pain. It can be particularly useful for pink eye caused by allergens.
You can easily find a saline solution at your local drugstore, or you can make your own at home. For the latter option, simply dissolve ½ teaspoon of salt in a cup of boiled and cooled water.
To rinse your child’s eyes, make sure their head is tilted back, and use a dropper or even a clean syringe to apply the saline. Some of the solutions you buy at a pharmacy have a dropper setup already. You can perform these rinses up to twice a day.
OTC Options for Conjunctivitis Treatment
If your child complains of itchiness or eye dryness that home remedies can’t address, then it can help to opt for over-the-counter (OTC) options like artificial tears. These lubricating drops work to reduce irritation. Choose a product that clearly states it’s for children, and don’t use any that offer redness reduction, as they can lead to more irritation.
In instances when the pink eye is the result of allergies, you might also try over-the-counter allergy drops. These can soothe the swelling and flush out the irritants.
When to Contact a Doctor for Your Child’s Pink Eye
Despite all of your efforts, you may still need to turn to a doctor for help treating pink eye. Although complications of pink eye are rare, acting fast if you notice something is off can make a significant difference in your child’s recovery.
One of the first signs that you’ll need to make an appointment is if the condition doesn’t improve at all within two or three days or gets worse. If the pain is very severe or your child is having trouble seeing, that, too, should prompt a visit to the pediatrician.
Although a bacterial or viral infection may make your child feel a bit under the weather, they should not have very high fevers or respiratory issues. Those symptoms could point to a more serious underlying condition.
Another reason to visit your child’s pediatrician is if you notice they have a white spot on their cornea. This could mean your child has a corneal ulcer and requires immediate treatment.
These are only some situations that can call for a doctor visit. You know your child best, so if you notice anything that alarms you, making an appointment can grant you the peace of mind you deserve.
Newport Children’s Medical Group: Offering Quality Pediatric Care
If your child is displaying signs of eye irritation, turning to one of these effective home remedies for pink eyes in kids may be a solution. In instances when the condition doesn’t improve or begins to get worse, the dedicated team at Newport Children’s Medical Group can help.
We offer trusted pediatric services for everything from respiratory issues to eye infections. Contact us to schedule an appointment with a leading pediatrician in California today.