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Over-the-Counter Guides

Expert-curated over-the-counter (OTC) guides providing comprehensive, easy-to-understand information. Access reliable, up-to-date self-care information based on the same guidelines your doctors follow.

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High Blood Pressure: Best Drug-Free Solutions from the AHA

January 14, 2025

High Blood Pressure: Best Drug-Free Solutions from the AHA

Regular at-home BP monitoring is preferred over sporadic in-office measurements. Manage hypertension with lifestyle modifications, starting with the DASH diet, which lowers BP by 10–20 mm Hg through reduced sodium and heart-healthy foods. Structured exercise (90–150 min weekly) can further reduce BP by 5 mm Hg, while limiting alcohol intake offers an additional 4 mm Hg reduction.

Hemorrhoids: Best Over-the-Counter Initial Treatment Steps

January 14, 2025

Hemorrhoids: Best Over-the-Counter Initial Treatment Steps

Standard of care for hemorrhoids is a trial of conservative management. Manage with dietary fiber (20–30 g/day) and warm sitz baths, enhanced with Epsom salts for pain relief. For temporary symptom control, use lidocaine gel for pain, phenylephrine cream or suppositories for vasoconstriction, and hydrocortisone 1% cream for inflammation. Short-term laxative therapy, like polyethylene glycol (PEG), can help soften stool and promote healing.

POTS: Heart Rhythm Society Treatment Consensus

January 14, 2025

POTS: Heart Rhythm Society Treatment Consensus

Manage Postural Tachycardia Syndrome without medications via increased fluid intake (2–3 liters/day), higher salt consumption (3–5 grams/day with medical guidance), and compression stockings (20–30 mmHg). Gradual position changes and recumbent exercises, progressing to upright activities, improve symptoms and fitness. For severe cases, prescription options like fludrocortisone, low-dose beta-blockers, or midodrine may help, often requiring multidisciplinary care from cardiology, neurology, and physical therapy specialists.

Chronic Nailbed Infections: At-Home Doctor-Recommended Treatment

January 14, 2025

Chronic Nailbed Infections: At-Home Doctor-Recommended Treatment

Manage nail infections lasting more than 6 weeks by avoiding irritants, prolonged water exposure, and nail trauma. First-line treatments include topical hydrocortisone 1% ointment applied daily for up to 3 weeks, and warm soaks with water, Burow’s Solution, or vinegar. For refractory cases, calcineurin inhibitors like tacrolimus 0.1% are effective, with surgery considered only for persistent cases.

Ringworm: Most Effective Over-the-Counter Treatment

January 13, 2025

Ringworm: Most Effective Over-the-Counter Treatment

Treat ringworm effectively with topical allylamine antifungals like butenafine (1% cream twice daily for 2 weeks) or terbinafine (1% cream once or twice daily for 1–2 weeks). These agents have high cure rates and are also used for athlete’s foot and jock itch. For widespread or resistant cases, consult a doctor for oral antifungal options like terbinafine or itraconazole.

Plantar Fasciitis: Proven Strategies to Recovery

January 13, 2025

Plantar Fasciitis: Proven Strategies to Recovery

Most common cause of heel pain. Managed with supportive footwear, ice therapy (15–20 minutes, 3–4 times daily), and NSAIDs for pain relief. For persistent symptoms, try stretching exercises and night splints, which help alleviate tension on the plantar fascia. Consult a doctor for refractory cases to explore corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, or advanced options like ESWT or surgery. Recovery may take 6–18 months, with most patients improving with at-home therapy.

Yeast Infection: Over-the-Counter Treatment

January 13, 2025

Yeast Infection: Over-the-Counter Treatment

Yeast infection can be treated at home with over-the-counter topical antifungals: miconazole (2% cream or 100 mg suppository daily for 3–7 days) or clotrimazole (1% cream applied daily for 7–14 days). Consult a doctor if symptoms persist, as other infections may require antibiotics. For recurrent or severe cases, prescription options like fluconazole (150 mg single oral dose) or extended antifungal therapy may be necessary.

Orthostatic Hypotension: American Heart Association Guidelines

January 13, 2025

Orthostatic Hypotension: American Heart Association Guidelines

Manage orthostatic hypotension by staying hydrated with water or electrolyte drinks (≥240 mL, peak effect at 30 minutes), wearing compression stockings (20–30 mmHg), and practicing fall prevention techniques like lying down or crossing your legs if feeling faint. For persistent symptoms, pharmacologic options like midodrine or fludrocortisone may help. Consult your doctor about safely increasing fluids and sodium intake if appropriate.

Urinary Incontinence: Best Evidence for At-Home Management

January 13, 2025

Urinary Incontinence: Best Evidence for At-Home Management

Classified as stress, urge, overflow, or functional. Stress incontinence responds well to pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) or vaginal pessaries, with severe cases potentially requiring medications like duloxetine or surgical intervention. For urge incontinence, OTC transdermal anticholinergic patches can reduce bladder overactivity, while prescription options like oral anticholinergics, beta-3 adrenergic agonists, or Botox injections may help in more severe cases. Seek medical attention for red-flag symptoms or new-onset incontinence.

Skin Tags: At-Home Removal and Warnings

January 13, 2025

Skin Tags: At-Home Removal and Warnings

Skin tags are benign growths that can be removed for cosmetic reasons. At-home removal using cryotherapy (e.g., Dr. Scholl’s Freeze Away) is effective but should be avoided in people with diabetes or bleeding disorders. For large or facial skin tags, professional treatments like surgical excision, liquid nitrogen cryotherapy, or electrosurgery are recommended to minimize scarring and complications.