"Pink eye", without antibiotics

[Pat Robinson]

Breastmilk is best. :-) We had to 'borrow' some from a lactating friend once for just this reason. Kinda have to be good friends, lol. It'll keep refrigerated and fresh for a few days, if you aren't using it from the "tap".

I've read that a particular antibody in the breast milk, called immunoglobulin A, prevents the pink eye bacteria from attaching to the mucosal surface of the eye. I had pink eye as a nurse. I was able to work without taking any antibiotics, with strict hand-washing.

Evidence suggests there is a modest reduction in duration from an average of 4.625 days (untreated controls) to 3.3 days for those given immediate antibiotics. Deferring antibiotics yields almost the same duration as those immediately starting treatment with 3.9 days duration.
http://www.bmj.com/content/early/2005/12/31/bmj.38891.551088.7C.sho...

Another option is chickweed compresses. Chickweed grows about everywhere. http://www.buzzle.com/articles/chickweed-benefits.html

Heat is the best thing for killing off the bacteria/virus. So, (very) warm water compress will help and soothe.

Here is a long thread about eye injuries but toward the bottom is some info about conjunctivitis. http://heal-thyself.ning.com/profiles/blogs/eye-injuries

Add folate and probiotics for immune support. Also consider magnesium and Omega 3.

Here are some homeopathics for pink eye. http://www.truestarhealth.com/Notes/2214008.html


Pat

[Leah]

from what I understand, pink eye is generally viral, not bacterial but heat will still help.

[Chrissy Houtz]

When my third son was born 3 of us got it (including the newborn!) they wanted me to put an antibiotic in his eyes and orally!!!! i was obviously FREAKING OUT and was told by someone (i don't remember who) to try aloe and i did and IT WORKED! i did it on all of us and it cleared up quickly. i actually got it a day or two after the boys so i used it at the first sign of symptoms and mine cleared up even faster! i just broke the plant, got it nice and squishy, and then applied it sort of like eyeliner in a sweeping motion and then blinked it in. it burns a bit but it is totally worth it.

[Jo Pedranti]

People have been successful using coconut oil as well. It has lauric acid which is antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral. It as caprylic acid as well.

[Pat Robinson]

Thanks for the alternative suggestions!

Yes, Leah is correct, generally "pink eye" is a viral infection.


Pat

[Crystal DeYoung]

I have also had great success with coconut oil.


Crystal