What medicine helps pink eye?

If you’re here, I’m guessing you’ve got a case of conjunctivitis wink wink. Ahem, but in all seriousness, pink eye is a real pain in the eye. Thankfully, there are plenty of medications out there to help alleviate your discomfort and kick that bacterial or viral infection to the curb. Let’s take a humorous look at some of the options.

Types of Pink Eye

Before we dive into medications, let’s briefly go over the three types of pink eye so we can determine which medication will work best for you.

Viral Conjunctivitis

This type is caused by viruses like adenovirus and usually spreads through coughing or sneezing. Unfortunately, antibiotics won’t do anything against viruses (duh) so antihistamines and decongestants are typically recommended along with TLC.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pneumoniae cause this type. Antiobiotics are your friend if you have bacterial conjunctivitis (so go see a doctor ASAP).

Allergic Conjunctivitis

As its name suggests, this type stems from an allergic reaction due to allergens such as pollen or pet dander. Antihistamines and decongestants again come in handy here.

Over-the-Counter Solutions

For mild cases where symptoms aren’t too severe (22 Al Br), OTC solutions should suffice:

• Artificial Tears: These drops lubricate dry eyes which accompany pink eye.
• Decongestant Eye Drops: This helps clear up redness by constricting blood vessels.
• Antihistamine Eye Drops: These counteract swelling and itching by blocking histamine receptors.

It’s important not to rely solely on over-the-counter eye drops if your symptoms persist or worsen. You never know, you might just have superpowered pink eye.

Prescription Medications

When OTC solution can’t win the battle for you, it’s time to visit a doctor and get into prescription medications territory:

Antibiotics

Bacterial Pink Eye calls for antibiotics whether it is oral medication, an ointment or a drop – not much fun but sometimes necessary.

• Oral antibiotics: Taken three times daily (and not with milk) for several days.
• Topical antibiotics: These are creams or ointments that must be applied directly to the affected area of the eye. (Pew pew)
• Antibiotic Eye Drops: For mild cases, these do the trick after 24 – 48 hours of usage.

Steroids

These aids in healing after prolonged inflammation which are less commonly prescribed since they come with more complications than benefits (side effects include increased pressure in eyes causing glaucoma). Only used under medical supervision!

Combination Solitions

Some physicians act like mad scientists and prescribe combination solutions such as mast cell stabilizers/antihistamines/decongestants (total mouthful) – this does wonders especially against moderate/severe allergic/pollen related conjunctivitis by improving symptoms significantly.

Other Alternative Methods

“Safer” alternative methods exist along side medical treatment:

• Warm Compresses: Pressing warm washcloths onto closed eyelids can ease pain and irritation by melting gunk clogging tear glands.
• Aloe Vera Gel/Juice : Used often due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties by applying from lid margin towards nose making sure juice doesnt reach lids themselves(more harm than good).

Remember guys “safer” doesn’t always equate “effective”, so listen closely to any potential allergies before trying out new substances on face..trust me…

Prevention

You know what they say, prevention is better than cure:

• Wash Hands Often: stop the spread of caused by touch contact.
• Keep Your Contacts clean: avoid bacteria growth on those pesky lenses.
• Glasses Over Contacts in Pollen Seasons allows pollen to be blocked from making direct contact thus reducing your chances for allergic conjunctivitis.

If you’re a rebel and like living life on the edge – always remember that when others are sick around you it’s not long before you’re joining their ranks so hygiene people – stay away from rubbing eyes with unclean hands!

Conclusion

In conclusion, dealing with pink eye isn’t fun (shocker). When OTC solutions fall short we hope this guide helps ensure that each person receives appropriate medication to get rid of any discomfort associated with evil pink eye. Enjoy these insights wink wink!