7 Natural Ways to Treat Pink Eye in Kids

Oh, no. Your kiddo has pink, swollen, and itchy eyes. Is it kid’s pink eye?

Seeing the signs of kid’s pink eye can be scary. Of course, you’re worried when their eyes look like this! Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is very common in kids. The good news is that natural remedies can often effectively help manage this condition at home and see results quickly!

What is Kid’s Pink Eye?

Pink eye is an inflammation of the conjunctiva – the membrane that covers the white part of the eye. This inflammation is what causes the pink appearance. Pink eye in kids can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergies.

3 Types of Pink Eye in Kids

1. Viral Conjunctivitis: 80% of the time, pink eye is caused by a virus. It usually starts in one eye following a cold or respiratory infection. You may see watery discharge. Highly contagious.

2. Bacterial Conjunctivitis: If bacteria is the cause, pink will often appear in both eyes with a green or yellow discharge, and your child may complain of burning and stinging pains. Highly contagious.

3. Allergic Conjunctivitis:

If allergies are behind the inflammation, it will appear seasonally alongside other allergy symptoms like sneezing. This type is not contagious. If your child tends toward seasonal allergies, our post on natural allergy relief for kids has more on how to support their immune system through allergy season.

Signs of Pink Eye in Kids

Pink eye is pretty easy to spot. The signs are in its name! Signs and symptoms of pink eye in kids include:

      • Redness in one or both eyes
      • Swelling of the conjunctiva
      • Itchy or burning eyes
      • Watery, yellow, or green discharge
      • Crusty eyelashes, especially after sleep
      • Sensitivity to light
      • Gritty feeling in the eye

💡 Pink Eye in the House?Want the full protocol we use to treat pink eye naturally and effectively?

Treat it with the full protocol we use to treat pink eye naturally and effectively. Inside the Doctor Mom Membership, you’ll find our complete pink eye protocol, plus dozens of other natural, pediatrician-approved guides to help you treat common childhood illnesses with confidence.

🩺 Join a like-minded community of moms, get expert support, and feel more empowered in your decisions. You don’t have to figure it all out alone!

7 Ways to Treat Pink Eye in Kids Naturally

As soon as you see the signs of pink eye in kids, you can start trying one of our pink eye protocols at home.

1. Practice Good Hygiene

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are super contagious and can spread easily. Guide your child in frequent hand washing, help them avoid touching their eyes, and try not to share towels and pillowcases with others if you can. Pink eye definitely means more laundry! Frequently washing bedding and towels in hot water can help prevent the spread and hopefully keep anyone else in your home from catching it. 

For more strategies on protecting your whole family when one child is sick, check out our guide on how to keep the whole family healthy when one child gets sick.

2. Use Breast Milk

Breast milk is packed with immune-boosting properties and can help treat pink eye naturally. One study found breast milk for pink eye to be as effective as eye drops and recommended it as a first-line treatment for infants.

3. Warm Compress

A warm compress can help reduce inflammation and swelling. Use a warm washcloth or steep a chamomile tea bag in warm water, then place it on the affected eye for 5 minutes, 3 times a day. Ensure the compress is not too hot to protect your little one from accidental burns or unnecessary discomfort.

4. Colloidal Silver Eye Drops

Colloidal silver has strong antimicrobial properties that can kill viruses and bacteria. Colloidal silver safe to use as an eye drop for children.

5. Eyebright Eye Drops

Eyebright eye drops are an herbal remedy effective for treating pink eye in kids. They can help reduce redness and irritation.

6. Homeopathic Remedies

Here are some of our favorite homeopathic remedies for pink eye.

Belladonna: For eyes that are markedly red, dry, and swollen, often indicating viral conjunctivitis.

Pulsatilla: For itchy and burning eyes with thick, greenish discharge, often indicating bacterial conjunctivitis.

Euphrasia: For itchy and burning eyes accompanying allergic symptoms like sneezing and runny nose, often indicating allergic conjunctivitis.

These remedies are safe for all ages. Start with the remedy that matches your child’s symptoms most closely and adjust if needed.

7. Hypochlorous Acid Eye Wash

After a holistic optometrist raved about the use of the natural agent Hypochlorous Acid as a non-toxic eye wash agent, we added it to our list of natural pink eye remedies! Hypochlorous acid is a non-toxic antimicrobial agent that can be used as an eye wash. It is gentle, does not sting, and can be effective for pink eye, styes, and other eye inflammations. Check out some options here on our Amazon store. 

When to See a Doctor for Pink Eye in Kids

We have seen these natural pink eye remedies be highly effective and fast-acting. However, there are times when professional medical help is necessary. Contact a medical professional about kid’s pink eye if:

  • Your child has severe eye pain or a change in vision.
  • Pink eye occurs in a newborn, as this could indicate a serious infection.
  • Symptoms do not improve after one week of home treatment or worsen, accompanied by fever.

You’ve Got This, Mama!

Dealing with pink eye in kids can be stressful, but once you know how to treat it naturally at home, you can take actual steps to help ease symptoms fast.  You’ve got all the tools you need to help your child recover quickly and comfortably. 

You’ve got this, and your little one will be back to their bright-eyed self soon!

Frequently Asked Questions About Pink Eye in Kids

How do I know if my child has viral or bacterial pink eye?

The discharge is your biggest clue. Viral pink eye typically produces watery discharge and often follows a cold or upper respiratory infection, usually starting in just one eye. Bacterial pink eye tends to produce thicker yellow or green discharge in both eyes, and your child may complain of burning or stinging. Allergic pink eye usually comes with itching, sneezing, and a runny nose, and it appears seasonally rather than after an illness. When in doubt, your pediatrician can confirm the type with a quick exam.

Is pink eye in kids contagious?

Viral and bacterial pink eye are both highly contagious and spread through contact with eye secretions, shared towels, pillowcases, or even touching surfaces the infected person has touched. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious. If your child has viral or bacterial pink eye, keep them home from school or daycare and wash bedding in hot water until symptoms have cleared.

How long does pink eye last in kids?

Viral pink eye typically runs its course in 7 to 14 days. Bacterial pink eye often improves more quickly, sometimes within 2 to 5 days, especially with treatment. Allergic pink eye will persist as long as the allergen is present. Starting natural remedies at the first sign of symptoms can help shorten the duration and reduce discomfort throughout.

Can I use breast milk for pink eye if my child is no longer an infant?

Yes. Breast milk for pink eye is safe for all ages, not just infants. The immune-boosting properties in breast milk work regardless of the child’s age. It is one of the gentlest and most effective first-line options available.

Do kids with pink eye need antibiotics?

Not always, and often not at all. Viral pink eye does not respond to antibiotics and needs to run its course with supportive care. Bacterial pink eye can sometimes clear on its own, and natural antimicrobial remedies like colloidal silver and eyebright eye drops may be enough for mild cases. Antibiotic eye drops may be warranted if symptoms are severe, not improving, or if your child is very young. This is a good question to bring to your pediatrician if you are unsure.

What homeopathic remedy is best for pink eye?

The right homeopathic remedy depends on the type of pink eye your child has. Belladonna works well for eyes that are red, dry, and swollen, which often signals viral conjunctivitis. Pulsatilla is the go-to for thick greenish discharge, pointing toward bacterial conjunctivitis. Euphrasia is most helpful when allergic symptoms like sneezing and runny nose accompany the eye irritation. Start with the remedy that best matches your child’s full picture of symptoms.

When should I take my child to the doctor for pink eye?

Head to the doctor if your child has severe eye pain, any change in vision, symptoms that are getting worse rather than better after a week of home treatment, or fever alongside the eye symptoms. Any pink eye in a newborn should be evaluated by a doctor promptly, as it can signal a more serious infection in very young babies.

Looking for More Resources? We've Got You Covered!