Pink Eye is the common name for conjunctivitis. This is an eye infection where the membrane becomes inflamed. This particular problem is not a major medical worry, but it is one that should be taken care of promptly. Having pink eye is somewhat disgusting and rather annoying as one will have itching, burning and redness of the eyes. There will also be possible discharge and a feeling of grittiness under the eyelids. There are several various remedies and methods that can be used to get rid of or speed up the time that one is affected with pink eye.

A Warm Compress

Placing a warm compress over the affected eye for ten to twenty minutes can help to soothe the eye and speed up the recovery process. If only one eye is effected, the compress should only be placed over that eye. After one that is done with the compress, it should be washed by itself in the washing machine or thrown out. Pink eye is rather contagious and can easily be spread through the used washcloth.

Tea Bags

In addition to using a washcloth, a tea bag compress on the eyes has been known to soothe the irritations. This remedy is one that has been used for quite a few years. Teas such as chamomile, black and green are all ones that may prove helpful. The tea bag should be allowed to steep shortly in warm water. This is then placed on the eye for up to twenty minutes at a time.

Vitamins

As with any infection, a healthy body will speed up the recovery process. Taking supplements that include zinc can help the immune system and get rid of pink high quicker. Foods such as meats, seafood, legumes and eggs are naturally high in zinc. Vitamin A is also helpful in treating any eye problems. Foods such as carrots, spinach and potatoes are all high in vitamin A.

Antibiotics

The easiest and most effective way to rid one of pink eye is often through the use of antibiotics. These cannot be obtained over the counter and must be prescribed by a doctor. Antibiotics will come either in pill form or in eye drops. Children who are very reluctant to take the drops may do better with the pills. For a child who is infected with pink eye, his school or daycare may have different policies as to when he can be admitted back in school. Once a child is on antibiotics for at least 24 hours, he is usually able to return to classes.

Pink eye is not an enjoyable infection, but is one that people commonly get. It is easily treated and can be prevented by frequent hand washing. Also when one is infected, pillowcases, sheets and the towels need to be washed on a daily basis. It is spread all too easily and quickly by people who are careless. If children are infected, it is important that parents explain how they should care for their eyes and take steps to not spread the pink eye to friends or family members.