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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.
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.
January 14, 2025
Peripheral Neuropathy: Best Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
Over-the-counter options include lidocaine cream or patches (max 4% strength), applied 12 hours on and 12 hours off, for localized pain relief. Capsaicin cream (0.075%) may also help by desensitizing nerves but can cause initial discomfort; avoid in diabetes. For moderate-to-severe cases, prescription medications like gabapentin, pregabalin, duloxetine, or amitriptyline may be necessary, along with professional evaluation for refractory cases.
January 14, 2025
Sinusitis: Doctor’s First Choice Treatments
Manage sinusitis with saline nasal irrigation (1–2 times daily) and/or intranasal corticosteroids, such as mometasone (2 sprays per nostril once daily). For short-term relief, intranasal decongestants like oxymetazoline may be used but should be limited to 3–5 days to prevent rebound congestion. Avoid antihistamines unless sinusitis is clearly allergic and systemic steroids due to limited efficacy and side effects.
January 14, 2025
Migraines: Best OTC Medications Doctors Recommend
Manage migraines with first-line over-the-counter treatments like acetaminophen-aspirin-caffeine combinations or NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) for acute relief, as recommended by leading guidelines. If these fail, doctors may prescribe triptans (e.g., sumatriptan) or newer CGRP inhibitors (e.g., rimegepant). Frequent migraines may require preventive strategies, including beta-blockers or anticonvulsants, with further evaluation for persistent or severe cases.
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.
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.
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.
January 13, 2025
Tooth Sensitivity: What Your Dentist Would Do
Manage tooth sensitivity with potassium nitrate toothpaste as the first-line treatment, recommended by dentists to reduce sensitivity by calming nerves in exposed dentinal tubules. Fluoride varnish can be used as an adjunct for added protection. For enhanced relief, consider newer formulations like arginine with calcium carbonate or zinc hydroxyapatite nanocrystals to seal dentin tubules and promote enamel remineralization.
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.
January 13, 2025
Tension Headache Solutions
Treat tension headaches with first-line options like acetaminophen (500–1000 mg every 4–6 hours, max 3000 mg/day) or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (200–400 mg every 6–8 hours) or naproxen (220 mg every 8–12 hours). Combination analgesics with caffeine, like Excedrin, may offer added relief. For chronic or severe cases, prescription muscle relaxants or preventive medications, such as tricyclic antidepressants, may be needed.