Will breast milk heal pink eye?

The Controversy Surrounding Breast Milk as a Treatment for Pink Eye
The use of breast milk as a remedy for pink eye, or conjunctivitis, has been a topic of debate among parents and healthcare professionals alike. While some anecdotal evidence suggests that breast milk may provide relief for certain eye infections, the scientific consensus remains cautious.
Understanding Pink Eye
Pink eye can be caused by various factors, including viral infections, bacterial infections, and allergens. Symptoms typically include redness, swelling, and discharge from the eye. Given the discomfort associated with this condition, many parents seek quick and effective treatments for their children.
Breast Milk: A Natural Remedy?
Breast milk is often lauded for its nutritional benefits and immune-boosting properties. It contains antibodies and other immune components that can theoretically help combat infections. Some studies have indicated that breast milk may be effective in treating eye discharge in infants, suggesting it could serve as a first-line treatment for mild cases. However, this does not mean it is a guaranteed cure for all types of pink eye.
Mixed Evidence on Efficacy
While there are instances where breast milk has reportedly helped heal pink eye in newborns and older children, there are also cases where it has exacerbated the condition. Experts caution that breast milk is not effective against all bacterial eye infections and typically does not eradicate the infection but may only suppress symptoms. This raises concerns about relying solely on breast milk for treatment, especially in cases that could lead to long-term eye damage if left untreated.
Cultural Practices and Medical Advice
The use of breast milk as a home remedy for eye infections is not uncommon in various cultures. However, the American Academy of Ophthalmology does not endorse this practice, emphasizing the importance of seeking proper medical care for eye infections. Medical professionals generally recommend consulting a healthcare provider for appropriate treatment, particularly for infants and young children.
Conclusion: Proceed with Caution
In summary, while breast milk may offer some soothing properties and has been used in some cultures as a remedy for pink eye, it is not a universally accepted treatment. Parents are advised to weigh the potential benefits against the risks and to seek medical advice for any eye infections, especially in vulnerable populations like infants. The best course of action remains consulting a healthcare professional to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Can breastmilk clear eye discharge?

Results: The number of patients improved eye discharge was 119/155 (76.8%) and 119/157 (75.8%) in BM and OS groups, respectively. There were no significant differences between groups. The improvement score in eye discharge was 1.76 ± 0.91 in the BM group and 1.71 ± 0.96 in the OS group.

How do you treat pink eye in newborns?

A cool compress (like a washcloth with cool water) may help with swelling and puffiness. Your baby’s doctor may also recommend using a saline (salt) solution to help rinse out your baby’s eyes. If your newborn has pink eye caused by bacteria, the doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic.

Can breast milk cure infections?

Along with antibodies, breast milk delivers proteins, fats, sugars and even white blood cells that work to fight infection in many ways.

What is the fastest way to fix pink eye?

If you’re having bacterial pink eye symptoms, the fastest way to treat them is to see your doctor. Your doctor can prescribe antibiotic eye drops. According to a review from the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, using antibiotic eyedrops can shorten the duration of pink eye.

Can breast milk help with infections?

Human milk protects against specific pathogens (viruses, bacteria, and parasites) as well as separate clinical illnesses (eg, necrotizing enterocolitis, bacteremia, meningitis, respiratory tract illness, diarrheal disease, and otitis media) [2].

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 pink eye be self healing?

You don’t necessarily need to see a doctor for pink eye. Most of the time, you can treat the symptoms at home until they go away on their own. But you should never hesitate to call your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

How do you use breast milk for an eye infection?

It is possible to clean away any infected secretions from eyelids and lashes with cotton wool soaked in water or breastmilk (KellyMom).

Can pink eye heal in 2 days?

Viral pink eye, the most common type, usually gets better in 1 to 2 weeks without medicine. Sometimes, it can take 3 weeks or more to heal. Remember, antibiotics don’t help viral pink eye. Bacterial pink eye usually gets better in 2 to 5 days, but it can take 2 weeks or more to go away completely.

Can breast milk clear up pink eye?

You guys there is zero evidence showing that breast milk does anything for pink eye. Not only that but there are over hundred strains of bacteria in breast milk. It is not a sterile fluid which means that you could be causing a worse infection in your baby that could potentially make him go blind.