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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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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.

Eczema: American Academy of Dermatology Guidelines

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.

Calluses and Corns: At-Home Removal

January 11, 2025

Calluses and Corns: At-Home Removal

Evidence-based medical guidelines. Remove corns and calluses with gentle daily care using a pumice stone or foot file after soaking in warm water to soften the skin. Apply salicylic acid (liquid or patch) daily to remove thickened skin, cleaning the area beforehand. For additional care, use urea cream (10–40%) to soften skin and protective pads to cushion and prevent friction.

OTC Hearing Aids: What You Need to Know

January 11, 2025

OTC Hearing Aids: What You Need to Know

Do you have hearing loss? Symptoms include difficulty hearing in noisy places, following group conversations, or needing to increase TV volume. In August 2022, the FDA authorized OTC hearing aids for adults 18+ with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss, allowing purchase without a medical exam or audiologist fitting.

Dry Eyes: American Academy of Ophthalmology Practice Guidelines

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.

Swimmer’s Ear Infection: At-Home Remedies vs Professional Treatment

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.

Sore Throat: At-Home Management

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.

Insomnia: Know Your Options

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.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome: American College of Gastroenterology Guidelines

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.