Handwashing
One of the best ways to prevent the spread of pink eye is to wash your hands regularly and thoroughly. One of the symptoms of pink eye is irritation and itchiness in the eyes. This can be caused by the inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin layer of tissue covering the eye’s white part.
When washing your hands, use lukewarm water and mild soap. Avoid using hot water, as this can further irritate the eyes. Instead, gently rub the hands together for 20 seconds, making sure to clean under the nails and between the fingers. Rinse off with lukewarm water and dry with a clean towel. For those with existing pink eye, washing their hands regularly will help to soothe any irritation caused by pink eye and will also help to prevent further infection.
As we mentioned, pink eye is often characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva. This can be caused by bacteria or viruses that have entered the eye. Handwashing can help to reduce this inflammation by removing any irritants from the hands before they have a chance to enter the eyes.
