Avoid using steroid-based eye drops on a regular basis.
Experts cautioned individuals against using antibiotics and steroids carelessly to treat “conjunctivitis,” also known as pink eye, and recommended them against self-medicating because it might make their condition worse or potentially harm their cornea.
Steroids are synthetic versions of hormone-like substances that the body naturally produces. Steroids are made to operate similarly to these hormones in order to lessen inflammation. They go by the name corticosteroids and are distinct from the anabolic steroids used by athletes and bodybuilders.
Steroids won’t cure your condition, but they’re very good at reducing inflammation and will ease symptoms such as swelling, pain and stiffness.
Usually inflammation is the body’s natural reaction to infection or bacteria. Your immune system produces extra fluid to fight infections or bacteria, which causes swelling, redness and heat in the affected area.
You might have noticed this if you have had a cut or wound on your skin. In some conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system produces inflammation in the joints or other parts of the body by mistake, which can cause permanent damage if left untreated. Steroids can be used to reduce this immune reaction. Steroids are usually only given for a short time to quickly treat flare-ups of your condition. Depending on which condition you have and what dose you’re prescribed, you may notice an improvement in your symptoms within a few days.
This page is about steroids that can be taken as tablets, liquids, creams and eye drops and ointments. Information about steroid injections is covered on a different page.
You might not be able to start steroids if you have an infection, or if you have any wounds on your body, as steroids might delay these getting better or cover up some of your symptoms. Steroids might affect some medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart or blood pressure problems, or mental health issues. If you have any of these conditions, the person treating you will need to make sure the steroids aren’t making the condition worse. If you have systemic sclerosis, prednisolone could cause problems with your kidneys at certain doses.
