Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious. Harsh environmental irritants which come in direct contact with the eye can also cause conjunctivitis. For example, smoke, hairspray, makeup, chlorine or air pollutants may inflame the membranes of the eye. This type of conjunctivitis is not contagious. The primary treatment of conjunctivitis suspected to be caused by an infection should be with conventional medicine.
Alternative medicine is the appropriate first step for allergic or mild irritant conjunctivitis.
Complementary And Alternative Therapies Consult a competent specialist in each treatment modality for individual assessment or additional information. Pressure is applied with the fingers to stimulate specific acupoints to improve circulation to the head and take the heat away from the eyes. Herbal Medicine offers remedies for eye compresses or eye washes to relieve the inflammation of conjunctivitis. Eyebright may be recommended by an herbalist to prepare a soothing solution to wash the eye or to be used as cool compresses. Calendula may be prepared for use as a cool compress.