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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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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.

Pre-Eclampsia and Gestational Hypertension Monitoring Tips

January 14, 2025

Pre-Eclampsia and Gestational Hypertension Monitoring Tips

Pre-eclampsia is a serious pregnancy-specific hypertensive disorder diagnosed after 20 weeks of gestation with new-onset hypertension (≥140/90 mmHg) and proteinuria or end-organ dysfunction. Monitor blood pressure at home using a validated device and follow a DASH diet to help manage BP. Seek immediate medical attention for BP ≥160/110 mmHg or consistent readings ≥140/90 mmHg.

Migraines: Best OTC Medications Doctors Recommend

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.

Post-Nasal Drip: Best Doctor-Recommended OTC Treatments

January 14, 2025

Post-Nasal Drip: Best Doctor-Recommended OTC Treatments

As recommended by the ACCP, with symptom improvement expected within 1–2 weeks. Manage postnasal drip with a first-line combination of a first-generation antihistamine and a decongestant (e.g., chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine). For partial or persistent symptoms, try intranasal steroids (fluticasone propionate) or antihistamines (azelastine) to reduce inflammation. Persistent or recurrent symptoms may require further evaluation.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tension Headache Solutions

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.