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 and accompany allergy symptoms such as sneezing. Not contagious.
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
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.
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. If you have access to fresh breast milk, apply 3 drops to the affected eye 3 times a day. This remedy is safe for all ages and can be very effective.
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. Apply 2 drops in the infected area 3 times daily for kids aged 2 and older.
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. For children aged 2 and older, squeeze 2-3 drops into the eye up to 3 times daily.
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 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!