Conjunctivitis: Which home remedies help?
Do your eyes burn or itch? Are they red or are your eyelids swollen? Then you may have conjunctivitis. These home remedies can support the healing process.
The conjunctiva is a thin, protective layer in the eye. It covers part of the eyeball and the inside of the eyelid. If the conjunctiva is inflamed, this is known as conjunctivitis.
Home remedies for conjunctivitis
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Cooling quark
Quark compresses have a decongestant and cooling effect and relieve itching: To make one, dip a clean gauze bandage in cold water and wring it out well. Next, spread the quark on the bandage and fold it. Then hold the compress on the affected eyes until the cooling effect subsides. You can repeat this process as often as required.
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Anti-inflammatory eye compresses
Medicinal herbs such as marigold and eyebright – the name says it all – support healing and have an anti-inflammatory effect: Pour boiling water over the marigold or eyebright leaves and leave them to infuse for around ten minutes. Dip a fresh cotton cloth into the decoction, wring it out and place it on the affected eyes.
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Moisturising eye drops
If the conjunctivitis is not infectious, moisturising eye drops as a tear substitute or, in the case of allergies, drops containing antihistamines can help. Also ensure high humidity in your living spaces, for example with a humidifier. An air purifier helps to remove particles from the air.
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Cleansing table salt
If the conjunctiva is irritated by dry air and high levels of dust, rinse the eyes regularly with an isotonic saline solution. This is available over the counter in pharmacies and chemists. If your eyelids become crusty as a result of infectious conjunctivitis, it is best to clean them gently with a damp cotton pad. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after use and dispose of the cotton pad after each use.
Even if home remedies have not been proven to cure the disease, they can often alleviate the symptoms.
A well-known household remedy for inflamed eyes is camomile tea. The chamomile tea bags are placed on the affected eyes. However, ophthalmologists advise against it, as chamomile can trigger allergies. The same applies to other medicinal herbs or grasses. Tea bags containing natural black tea without flavourings are more suitable. However, it is better to use a sterile saline solution from the pharmacy or chemist to cleanse and soothe the eyes.
How does conjunctivitis develop?
Inflammation can have various causes: Bacteria or viruses, an allergic reaction or external stimuli such as draughts, smoke, bright sunlight or injuries to the cornea caused by foreign bodies.
Can conjunctivitis heal by itself?
Conjunctivitis can be treated effectively. It often heals on its own. How inflammation of the conjunctiva is treated depends on what is causing it. As a viral or bacterial infection is contagious and can lead to complications if left untreated, medical advice must always be sought first. Afterwards, some home remedies can be used to support the healing process.
Simple hygiene rules for conjunctivitis
Inflammation of the eyes caused by bacteria or viruses spreads quickly. However, there are a few hygiene rules that must be observed:
- Use a fresh towel for the face every day.
- Change the cover of your pillow every few days.
- Wash your hands repeatedly: before and after you touch your face.
- Do not share towels, face cloths, make-up utensils, eye drops or similar items with others.
