How to heal pink eye fast?

Author: Charlie Nitzsche  |  Last update: Sunday, September 7, 2025

Allergic conjunctivitis Over-the-counter or prescription antihistamine eye drops can help relieve itching and redness. Avoiding allergens and using cold compresses can also provide some relief. In some cases, your doctor may recommend oral antihistamines or anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen.

What helps pink eye heal faster?

Lifestyle and home remedies
  1. Apply a compress to your eyes. To make a compress, soak a clean, lint-free cloth in water and wring it out before applying it gently to your closed eyelids. ...
  2. Try eye drops. Nonprescription eye drops called artificial tears may relieve symptoms. ...
  3. Stop wearing contact lenses.

Can pink eye go away in 2 days?

Mild bacterial pink eye may get better without antibiotic treatment and without causing any complications. It usually clears up in 2 to 5 days without treatment but can take 2 weeks to go away completely.

Is crying good or bad for pink eye?

Tears most often protect the eyes by washing away germs and irritants. Tears contain proteins and antibodies that kill germs. If your eyes are dry, germs and irritants are more likely to cause problems.

How long is pink eye contagious?

Pinkeye that's caused by bacteria can spread to others as soon as symptoms appear and for as long as there's discharge from the eye — or until 24 hours after antibiotics are started. Conjunctivitis that's caused by a virus is generally contagious before symptoms appear and can remain so as long as the symptoms last.

🔴 How to Get Rid of Pink Eye | 3 Must Know Facts About Pink Eye and Conjunctivitis

What not to use on pink eye?

Whatever kind of pink eye you have, don't use red-reducing eye drops, like Visine. These kinds of eye drops may be very uncomfortable if you have an infection. They also could make your symptoms worse.

What are the stages of pink eye?

These early-stage pink eye symptoms include:
  • A sensation that feels like there's sand or grit in your eyes.
  • Mild redness in the whites of the eye.
  • A watery or mucous-like discharge.
  • Mild itching or irritation.
  • Slight swelling or tenderness around the eyes.

Does Benadryl help with pink eye?

Pink Eye in Toddlers and Children

This condition is best treated by over the counter medications such as Benadryl, and allergy eye drops. Keeping the windows closed and showering at the end of each day during the allergy seasons would help your child as well.

What ointment is good for pink eye?

Use erythromycin eye ointment as directed by your provider. Don't stop using it before you complete treatment, even if you feel better. If you stop using erythromycin eye ointment too soon, your infection might come back or become harder to treat.

How to tell if pink eye is viral or bacterial?

Bacterial Conjunctivitis normally causes a yellow or green sticky discharge throughout the day. They will feel itchy, and the eyelids may become swollen. Viral Conjunctivitis normally causes a watery discharge during the day and present with sticky discharge in the morning. The eyelids may become very swollen.

Can I go to work with pink eye?

Patient counseling. Advise patients to remain home if they have viral or bacterial conjunctivitis with systemic signs of illness, especially if they cannot avoid close contact with others. Patients may return to work or school after any indicated therapy is implemented.

Is sleeping good for pink eye?

“Germ-caused conjunctivitis intensifies when your eyes are closed. That's why it tends to get worse at night when you're asleep,” says Petersen. “To combat that, put any prescribed antibiotic ointment in your eyes before you go to bed. That way it will prevent crusting.”

What should I throw away after pink eye?

Throw away and replace any eye or face makeup you used while infected. Replace contact lens solutions that you used while your eyes were infected. Throw away disposable contact lenses and cases that were used while your eyes were infected. Clean extended wear lenses as directed.

What is commonly misdiagnosed as pink eye?

There are eye conditions with similar symptoms to pink eye. It's common to mistake allergies, styes, iritis, keratitis, and blepharitis for it. They can have different causes and require different treatments. Protect your eye health by setting up an exam with our team.

What gets rid of pink eye quickly?

Home remedies for pink eye
  1. Cold compresses. Pink eye can cause inflammation and irritation around the eye that's infected. ...
  2. Eye drops. ...
  3. Cool water rinses. ...
  4. Over-the-counter medication. ...
  5. Breast milk. ...
  6. Urine washes. ...
  7. Visine and other red-reducing eye drops. ...
  8. Herbs and other foods.

How long is pink eye contagious for?

Pink eye is usually contagious for 10–14 days . People should wash their hands frequently and avoid close contact with others to reduce the risk of transmission.

Does ibuprofen reduce pink eye?

Some OTC medications may help relieve the pain of pink eye but will not cure it. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may help with inflammation. Allergy medication may also relieve the symptoms of allergic pink eye.

What are the worst days of pink eye?

Common Symptoms
  • Redness of eye(s)
  • Watery eye discharge that may crust around eyelids.
  • Burning or gritty feeling in eye.
  • May initially involve only one eye; often spreads to other eye in 1-2 days.
  • Symptoms usually get worse over the first 3-5 days then gradually improve.

What eyedrops are good for pink eye?

Types of antibiotic eye drops your primary care provider or eye doctor (ophthalmologist or optometrist) may prescribe include:
  • Polytrim (trimethoprim/polymyxin B)
  • Polysporin (bacitracin/polymyxin B)
  • Neosporin Ophthalmic (bacitracin/neomycin/polymyxin B)
  • AzaSite (azithromycin)
  • Vigamox or Avalox (moxifloxacin)

What is stage 3 pink eye?

Third stage

Most affected eyes heal completely; in some, scarring results in a small bluish-white spot remaining in the centre of the cornea. In about 2% of cases, the affected eye remains blue and the animal remains blind in that eye. Scarring often results in a bluish-white spot.

What eye drop is best for red eyes?

Tetrahydrozoline, which is found in drops such as Visine. Tetrahydrozoline is a decongestant that, like naphazoline, clears redness caused by allergy, exhaustion, and irritation. Visine products are available for purchase online.

How to cure an eye infection naturally?

Effective Home Remedies For Common Eye Infections:
  1. Salt Water. Saline or salt water is the time tested natural remedies to treat eye infections. ...
  2. Colostrum. Newborns are prone to mild eye infections. ...
  3. Green Tea Bags. ...
  4. Essential Oils. ...
  5. Warm Compress. ...
  6. Cold Compress. ...
  7. Honey. ...
  8. Castor Oil.

How do you know if pink eye is viral or bacterial?

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis cause similar symptoms, including redness, swelling, itching, and discharge. However, viral conjunctivitis usually causes a thin, watery discharge, while bacterial conjunctivitis causes a thicker discharge.

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