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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 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
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 11, 2025
Acute Nailbed Infection Solutions
Treat acute paronychia with warm soaks (plain, Burow’s solution, or 1:1 white vinegar-water mixture) 2–4 times daily to reduce swelling and promote drainage. Apply an antibiotic ointment like bacitracin-polymyxin B (Polysporin) and hydrocortisone 1% cream after each soak to enhance healing and reduce inflammation. For severe cases with abscess or spreading cellulitis, prescription antibiotics or professional incision and drainage may be necessary.
January 11, 2025
Swimmer’s Ear Infection: At-Home Remedies vs Professional Treatment
Uncomplicated acute otitis externa (AOE) may be managed with at-home measures like acetic acid ear drops (diluted white vinegar, 2% equivalent) to restore acidic pH and inhibit bacterial growth, alongside pain relief using ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Ensure the eardrum is intact before using drops, confirmed with an otoscope or by avoiding use if symptoms of rupture (severe pain, bleeding, hearing loss) are present. For moderate-to-severe cases, consult a physician for prescription antibiotic ear drops or systemic therapy.
January 11, 2025
Acid Reflux (GERD): American College of Gastroenterology Guidelines
Manage chronic acid reflux (GERD) with the same medial guidelines doctors follow. First-line treatment includes a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) like omeprazole (20 mg daily, 30–60 minutes before the largest meal) for patients with symptoms 2+ times per week. For additional relief, second-line options include H2-receptor antagonists like famotidine or antacids like calcium carbonate for occasional breakthrough symptoms.
January 11, 2025
Dry Eyes: American Academy of Ophthalmology Practice Guidelines
Read what your doctors read. Manage dry eye syndrome effectively by addressing underlying causes and using targeted therapies. First-line treatments include preservative-free artificial tears applied 1–2 drops as needed and managing modifiable risk factors. Supplementary options like omega-3 fatty acid supplements may provide additional relief. For persistent symptoms, consider nighttime lubricants or prescription medications.
January 11, 2025
Sore Throat: At-Home Management
Sore throats result from viral infections in ~70% of cases. Manage them with symptom-relief measures such as saltwater gargles (1/2 tsp salt in 8 oz warm water, 2–3 times daily), throat lozenges containing benzocaine or menthol, and pain relievers like acetaminophen (500 mg every 4 hours, max 3,000 mg/day) or ibuprofen (400 mg every 4–6 hours as needed). For bacterial pharyngitis (e.g., strep throat), prescription antibiotics such as penicillin or amoxicillin are necessary, with corticosteroids reserved for severe swelling under medical supervision.
January 11, 2025
Eczema: American Academy of Dermatology Guidelines
First-line treatments are moisturizers to restore the skin barrier. Use emollients (e.g., glycol stearate), occlusive agents (e.g., petrolatum), and humectants (e.g., glycerol) generously, 2–3 times daily and after bathing. For flares, second-line treatments include wet wrap therapy with low-potency corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone 1% cream, to reduce inflammation. Severe or resistant cases may require prescription-strength topical medications, systemic corticosteroids, or biologics like dupilumab for long-term control.
January 11, 2025
Insomnia: Know Your Options
Non-pharmacological strategies include improving sleep hygiene and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Over-the-counter options include melatonin (1–5 mg 1–2 hours before bed), diphenhydramine (25–50 mg at bedtime), or valerian root (300–600 mg before bed), though benefits are modest and user preference varies. For persistent or severe cases, consider prescription medications like zolpidem, ramelteon, or suvorexant under a doctor’s guidance.
January 11, 2025
Irritable Bowel Syndrome: American College of Gastroenterology Guidelines
Manage IBS with a low-FODMAP diet and symptom-specific treatments: polyethylene glycol (PEG) for IBS-C or loperamide for IBS-D. Peppermint oil capsules (0.2–0.4 mL, three times daily) may relieve abdominal pain and overall symptoms. For persistent cases, consider prescription options like rifaximin, intestinal secretagogues, or antispasmodics.