If you’re looking for an alternative to antibiotics for treating conjunctivitis, colloidal silver may be worth considering. This natural remedy has been used for centuries to fight infection, and more recently, it’s been gaining popularity as a treatment for pink eye.
But does colloidal silver really work? And is it safe? In this article, we’ll explore the evidence on colloidal silver and conjunctivitis, and give you the information you need to make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you.
What is Colloidal Silver?
Colloidal silver is a natural remedy that has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of conditions. The active ingredient in colloidal silver is silver, which is suspended in a solution of ultra-purified water.Silver has natural antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it an effective treatment for infections, wounds, and other inflammatory conditions.
Colloidal silver is available in liquid, gel, and spray forms, and can be applied topically or taken orally. While there is some controversy surrounding the use of colloidal silver, it remains a popular and effective remedy due to its wide range of potential health benefits.
How Does Colloidal Silver Work?
Silver is a highly effective antimicrobial agent, and when taken orally, it can help to kill bacteria and viruses. Additionally, silver is known to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may explain why it is sometimes used to treat conditions like arthritis. It is also thought to work by binding to proteins in bacteria and viruses, rendering them unable to function. It can kill bacteria and viruses by blocking their ability to reproduce and function.
What is Conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is a condition that causes the whites of your eyes to become inflamed and red. It can be caused by an infection, allergies, or irritants like smoke or dust.Conjunctivitis is usually contagious, so it’s important to keep your hands clean and avoid touching your eyes if you have it.
Symptoms include redness, itching, burning, tearing, and a feeling of grittiness in the eyes. Treatment depends on the cause of conjunctivitis but often involves using artificial tears or ointments to relieve symptoms and help the eye heal. In severe cases, antibiotics may be necessary.
Pink eye is usually not serious and will go away on its own in a few days, but it can be uncomfortable and disruptive.
What Are The Symptoms Of Conjunctivitis?
The whites of your child’s eye may be red, and the eye may also be watery, sore, or itchy. Sometimes, there will be a yellow or green discharge in your child’s eye, which makes the lids stick together after your child has been asleep. The skin around the eyes may look puffy.
In bacterial or viral conjunctivitis, one or both eyes may be affected. In allergic conjunctivitis, both your child’s eyes will feel itchy and watery; your child might also have hay fever symptoms like an itchy nose and sneezing.
What Causes Conjunctivitis?
The pink or reddish color of pink eye is the result of the blood vessels in the membrane covering your eye becoming inflamed and more visible. The inflammation may be due to a viral, bacterial, or other infection, or to an allergic reaction.Your health practitioner will likely be able to diagnose pink eye based on your symptoms and medical history. However, in some cases, they may order other tests in order to confirm the diagnosis.
Is Conjunctivitis Contagious?
If you get pink eye, it is important to refrain from close contact with others until you have finished your treatment.
This is because pink eye caused by bacteria or viruses can be easily spread from person to person. If you get pink eye from bacteria, you can spread pink eye while you have symptoms or until about 24 to 48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment. If you get pink eye from a virus, you can spread it for as long as you have symptoms and even before you develop symptoms. This could be for several days. Pink eye caused by an allergy is not contagious.
Can Conjunctivitis Heal On Its Own?
While most cases of the pink eye don’t require treatment, it is important to seek medical attention if the condition does not improve within a few days. Treatment is generally recommended for bacterial and viral infections, as they can cause discomfort and may worsen without intervention.
What Can I Do To Help Relieve Symptoms Of conjunctivitis?
There are many ways to relieve the symptoms of pink eye at home. One way is to apply artificial tear drops to your eyes. These drops can help relieve itching and burning from irritating substances. You can also place cool compresses on your eyes, or if it feels better, warm compresses. It is also important not to share washcloths or towels with others when you have pink eye.
The Evidence On Colloidal Silver And Conjunctivitis
Medical professionals have used colloidal silver as a form of treatment for various conditions since the early 1900s. It is known to be effective against viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Some people believe that it is a “cure all” therapy. The use of colloidal silver can be oral, topical, or intravenous.
Silver has been available in different preparations for various medical purposes, such as its use as a treatment for neonatal ophthalmia prophylaxis and burn injuries. However, with the advent of more potent antibiotics, silver has become less popular. Improved formulations of silver may make it more useful again as a topical antimicrobial agent.
In alternative medicine, colloidal silver is experiencing a resurgence in use for a variety of illnesses, including conjunctivitis. It is now being prescribed by more and more practitioners for numerous afflictions, thanks to its impressive track record of safety and efficacy.
You can read the following research to get more information.
Antimicrobial potency of colloidal silver compared with antibiotic eye drops
Dean D. Concepcion, MD, Lee G. Verzosa, MD, Jose Jurel M. Nuevo, RMT, MA
The further research literature is referenced below at end of this article.
Is Colloidal Silver Safe?
Colloidal silver is generally considered safe when used as directed. Side effects are very rare. It is important to only use colloidal silver solutions that are made by reputable manufacturers. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully, and never use more than the recommended amount as concentrations of silver can vary from suppliers.
How to use colloidal silver for conjunctivitis?
If you are experiencing an eye infection, it is important to address the issue as soon as possible. One way to do this is by using colloidal silver. Simply drop 2-3 drops of colloidal silver into each eye. If the infection does not clear up within two days, you should try a different remedy. Colloidal silver should not be used long term in the eye.
Conclusion
Colloidal silver is a safe and effective way to treat pink eye (conjunctivitis). It is important to only use colloidal silver solutions that are made by reputable manufacturers and to follow the instructions on the label carefully. If the infection does not resolve within 2 days, you should try a different remedy.
If you or your child has conjunctivitis, be sure to follow the recommended treatment plan from your healthcare provider and avoid sharing towels or washcloths with others until the infection has cleared.
References
Morris S, Cerceo E. Trends, Epidemiology, and Management of Multi-Drug Resistant Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections in the Hospitalized Setting. Antibiotics (Basel). 2020;9(4):196. Published 2020 Apr 20. doi:10.3390/antibiotics9040196
Sim W, Barnard RT, Blaskovich MAT, Ziora ZM. Antimicrobial Silver in Medicinal and Consumer Applications: A Patent Review of the Past Decade (2007⁻2017). Antibiotics (Basel). 2018;7(4):93. Published 2018 Oct 26. doi:10.3390/antibiotics7040093.
Scientific, Technical, Research, Engineering and Modeling Support. (2010). Final Report: State of the Science Literature Review: Everything Nanosilver and More. US Environmental Protection Agency.
Morrill K, et.al. Spectrum of antimicrobial activity associated with ionic colloidal silver. J of Alt and Comp Med. 2013; 19(3). 20 Mar 2013
Galdiero S, Falanga A, Vitiello M, Cantisani M, Marra V, Galdiero M. Silver nanoparticles as potential antiviral agents. Molecules. 2011;16(10):8894-8918. Published 2011 Oct 24. doi:10.3390/molecules16108894
Pandey A, et.al. Architectured Therapeutic and Diagnostic Nanoplatforms for Combating SARS-CoV-2: Role of Inorganic, Organic, and Radioactive MaterialsACS Biomaterials Science and Engineering, Volume 7, 2021.
Tian J, et.al. Topical delivery of silver nanoparticles promotes wound healing. ChemMedChem. 2007 Jan;2(1):129-36. doi: 10.1002/cmdc.200600171.
Boucher W, Stern JM, Kotsinyan V, et al. Intravesical nanocrystalline silver decreases experimental bladder inflammation. J Urol. 2008;179(4):1598-1602. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2007.11.037
Jha, M., & Shimpi, N. G. (2018). Green synthesis of zero valent colloidal nanosilver targeting A549 lung cancer cell: In vitro cytotoxicity. Journal, genetic engineering & biotechnology, 16(1), 115–124.
Lara, H. H., Ayala-Nuñez, N. V., Ixtepan-Turrent, L., & Rodriguez-Padilla, C. (2010). Mode of antiviral action of silver nanoparticles against HIV-1. Journal of nanobiotechnology, 8
Kumar A, Goia DV. Comparative Analysis of Commercial Colloidal Silver Products. Int J Nanomedicine. 2020;15:10425-10434.