Get rid of pink eye fast with these 6+ home remedies

Allergies, a cold or bacteria can cause your sinuses to back up, creating a yellow-white discharge from your eyes. When you awaken from sleep, you may notice a crust has formed on your eyelashes, making opening your eyes difficult. If this describes what you are experiencing, you may have developed pink eye.
Before you run to the doctor, understand that WebMD reports that about half of the cases of pink eye will resolve themselves on their own within two weeks. If it lasts longer or is accompanied by a fever, by all means, seek medical attention. In the meantime, here are 6+ ways to aid your body in healing itself from pink eye.
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1. Cool compress. Throughout the day, remove the discharge by using a cool compress. WebMD recommends using a soft wash cloth that won't leave lint behind. Leave the compress for several minutes and repeat the compress several times throughout the day.
2. Artificial tears. If allergies are the cause of your pink eye, the Mayo Clinic says to use artificial tear eye drops. To get maximum relief, keep the eye drops in the refrigerator. The cold helps relieve the discomfort even more.
3. Flush eyes. Keeping your eyes clean of the discharge and allergens is important, so Healthline recommends flushing your eyes out with warm to cool water throughout the day.
4. Wash bedding. WebMD states that if allergies are the cause of the pink eye, keeping your bedding clean may help control the pink eye. Wash your pillow and bedding often and in hot water. Dry them on high heat.
5. Contacts. Regardless of the type of pink eye, the Mayo Clinic states that if you have pink eye, contacts must be set aside for the duration of the pink eye. If you use soft contacts, you should discard them. If you use hard contacts, thoroughly disinfect them before using them again. You may need to throw away your contact cases as well so that you don't reinfect yourself.
6. Wash hands. Because pink eye is highly contagious, one of the best things you can do for yourself and those around you, according to Medical News Today, is to wash your hands thoroughly and often. Any time you touch your eyes or clean the discharge, give your hands a good scrub.
7. Diet. Healthline reminds people that feeding your body the right nutrients may aid yourself in fighting the infection. Eat a diet rich in probiotics and vitamins A, K, C and B. You would want to consider things like kimchi, sauerkraut, citrus fruits, sweet potatoes, spinach, beef liver, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and breakfast cereals.
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By arming yourself with the proper information, you may keep from spreading the pink eye to others and helping your body heal quickly.
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RemedyDaily.com does not give medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.