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Fungal infection of the nails, scientifically called onychomycosis, is not a dangerous health condition but is a concern for many from a cosmetic perspective. Infected nails appear thick, discolored, misshapen, and broken or crumbling. Effective treatment can be challenging and often requires medical intervention.

Oral Antifungal Medications

Oral prescription medications are usually the first-line treatment against nail fungus:

Lamisil (terbinafine)

For fingernail infections, they are taken as a 250 mg tablet once a day for six weeks, and for toenail infections, for 12 weeks. Full effects may be seen only after a new, healthy nail has fully grown out. While taking this medication, patients should avoid beverages with caffeine and stay out of the sun and tanning beds.

Sporanox (itraconazole)

For fingernail infection, 200 mg twice a day is taken for two weeks, followed by three weeks without treatment, then 200 mg twice a day for one week. For toenail infection, 200 mg twice daily is taken for 12 weeks.

Oral antifungal medications can affect liver function cause rashes, and other problems. They can also interact with other medications so that some patients may be better suited to prescription-strength topicals.

Prescription-Strength Topical Antifungal Medications

Jublia (efinaconazole 10% solution)

Applied to the nails and surrounding skin every day for a year.

Penlac (ciclopirox)

Painted onto the nails and surrounding skin every day for a week, then peeled off. This process is repeated every week for a year.

Conclusion

Treating nail fungus can be difficult and frustrating. Depending on the treatment option chosen, results may take up to a year to see.

Did you know that QuickMD can treat nail fungus online? Get treatment from the convenience of your home with no insurance needed.

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is reddened, itchy, dry, or weeping patches of skin usually seen on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, and inside the elbows and knees. It is caused by environmental irritants. 

The immune system attacks environmental irritants on the skin and, in doing so, attacks the skin as well. Patients with eczema frequently suffer from hay fever and asthma as well.

Treatment Options for Eczema

Moisturizers

Keeping the skin hydrated is crucial. Regular application of moisturizers can provide significant relief, reducing dryness and irritation.

Bleach Bath

A bleach bath can help reduce bacteria on the skin, which may prevent infections. Use half a cup of bleach in 40 gallons of water for 10 minutes twice a week.

Mild Soap

Using mild, fragrance-free soaps can help minimize irritation.

Cortisone Creams or Ointments

Several cortisone creams or ointments, either over-the-counter or prescription-strength, are available to reduce inflammation and itching.

Protopic (tacrolimus) Cream

An immunosuppressant can reduce skin inflammation for up to 6 weeks.

Elidel (pimecrolimus) Cream

Another immunosuppressant applied twice a day for up to 6 weeks to manage eczema symptoms.

Azathioprine

Originally developed for transplant patients, this immunosuppressant is taken orally at a dose of 100 to 250 mg per day to treat severe eczema.

Cyclosporine

Developed to prevent transplant rejection, cyclosporine can be used along with topical medications for up to one year to manage severe eczema.

Methotrexate

Initially developed as an anticancer drug, methotrexate has been found helpful in treating psoriasis and can be effective for atopic dermatitis as well.

How QuickMD Can Help

Did you know? QuickMD offers the convenience of treating eczema from your home. We can provide you with a prescription for steroid creams online or any other treatments that may be required, putting you in control of your health.

Depression can be quite challenging to treat. Treating depression should consist of cognitive behavioral therapy (counseling), and in more severe cases where counseling does not adequately treat it, antidepressant medications are warranted. But what is the best antidepressant for you?

Discovering the best antidepressant for you is a unique journey that may require time and effort. Each person is different, and everyone responds to medications in their own way. Not all antidepressant medications work the same (mechanism of action), so you—in collaboration with your doctor—might need to explore various options to find the one that suits you best.

Types of Antidepressants

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

SSRIs work by increasing the level of a molecule known as serotonin between cells in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps brain cells communicate, and low levels are associated with depression. SSRIs are often the first drugs prescribed for depression (first-line antidepressants). Examples of SSRIs include:

Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

SNRIs are prescribed when SSRIs alone are not enough. Norepinephrine is another neurotransmitter. Examples include:

Atypical Antidepressants

These increase levels of dopamine as well as serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Examples include:

Tricyclic Antidepressants

These increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine while blocking levels of another neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, in the brain. Examples include:

Conclusion

Unfortunately, there is no simple test to determine which medication will be most effective for any individual patient. What complicates the issue further is that most antidepressants take at least a few weeks to start showing an effect on someone’s mood. A helpful way to more objectively decide if a therapy is effective is to start a ‘mood journal,’ which is a diary where you write down daily how you feel.

You could even create a mood scale, e.g., between 1-10, to observe how and if things change over time. Remember, depression is not an in-the-moment feeling; it is an abnormally depressed mood over some time.

Remember, finding the best antidepressant for you often involves some degree of trial and error. But once you find the right medication, it can significantly brighten your life, offering hope and a path toward a brighter future.

How Can QuickMD Help?

QuickMD is here to assist you in your journey toward finding the right antidepressant. We offer comprehensive online counseling services and can prescribe antidepressants online, all from the comfort of your home. The best part? No insurance is needed. We’re here to make your treatment process as convenient and accessible as possible.

Vaginal yeast infections (also known as candidal vulvovaginitis or vaginal candidiasis) can cause irritation, itchiness of the vagina and skin around it as well as whitish vaginal discharge. The infection is caused by a species of fungus known as Candida albicans and is referred to medically as candidiasis.

This type of infection is common, affecting perhaps as many as 3 out of 4 women over their lifetimes. Let’s learn about the risks, prevention, and how women can depend on telemedicine to treat yeast infections.

Risk Factors of Vaginal Yeast Infections

The following raise the risk of developing vaginal candidiasis:

How to Prevent Vaginal Yeast Infections

Prevention of vaginal yeast infections consists of the following:

Treatment of Vaginal Candidiasis

How QuickMD Can Help

Did you know? QuickMD can treat vaginal yeast infections from the convenience of your home and provide you with a prescription for fluconazole online (or any of the other antifungal prescription drugs).

The term “exercise-induced asthma” is often used interchangeably with “exercise-induced bronchoconstriction”, but there is a subtle difference. While the former refers to the condition in asthmatic patients, the latter can affect both asthmatic and non-asthmatic individuals. In both cases, exercise can trigger the bronchi, or airways, to narrow or constrict, making breathing difficult.

Therefore, it’s more accurate to use the term “exercise-induced bronchoconstriction” for the general population.

Signs and Symptoms During Exercising

Triggers of Exercise-Induced Asthma

Exercise-Induced Asthma Prevention

Treatment of Exercise-Induced Asthma

Short-term beta-agonists are the most commonly prescribed treatment for exercise-induced asthma. They are highly effective and usually, 1-2 puffs are inhaled just before exercise (~5-20 minutes before). However, it’s important to note that the body can build up a tolerance to them if they are used excessively, so it’s best to follow your doctor’s instructions.

Long-term corticosteroids are inhaled to lower inflammation in the bronchi and can be especially helpful for asthmatics who have worsening asthma during exercise:

Combination corticosteroids with long-acting beta-agonists are inhaled to lower inflammation and open bronchi. They are an option for asthmatics with well-controlled asthma who routinely suffer from exercise-induced asthma attacks:

Leukotriene modifiers lower inflammation in some patients and are an option as well, taken orally two hours before exercise:

Did you know? QuickMD can prescribe asthma medications online, right from the comfort of your home. This means you don’t have to worry about visiting a clinic or dealing with insurance. We’re here to make managing your condition as easy as possible.

The rise of telemedicine has coincided with a relatively new phenomenon – people ordering their own lab tests without going through a doctor. Several services in the US now offer people the chance to test for specific illnesses, regardless of whether a doctor recommends that. 

Available DIY Blood Tests

Here is a list of some blood tests and urine studies that can be ordered without a doctor: 

Traditionally, you need to go to a doctor to discuss your symptoms or concerns. Your doctor would then assess you and decide whether further tests need to be ordered based on the degree of clinical suspicion. With the rise of these ‘DIY diagnostic tests,’ people can order a lab test without a doctor’s input.

The Benefits of DIY Lab Tests 

DIY blood tests offer a convenient and time-saving alternative for users. In a world where taking time off work for a doctor’s appointment can be challenging, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, these tests allow you to bypass the queue and save both time and money. 

Additionally, it provides improved access to care that was limited before to people with a primary care doctor. These DIY tests may help discover some medical conditions that were previously unknown. In this case, you can then be started on the appropriate treatment early, avoiding any delay in care due to lack of access to healthcare. 

Others for whom this may be a good option are patients with chronic medical conditions or patients on certain medications that need surveillance lab monitoring. For example, patients on thyroid medications who require regular thyroid level testing or patients on HIV medications who need to monitor their kidney and liver function.  

By enabling patients to order their own tests, DIY blood tests empower individuals to take a more active role in managing their health. This shift towards patient autonomy fosters greater patient participation and a more proactive approach to individual health, moving away from a paternalistic healthcare model.

The Downsides of DIY Lab Tests 

The biggest downside of DIY lab tests is that they may lead to over-testing. Doctors only order tests when there is a clinical reason to do so: unnecessary tests often generate unwarranted anxiety. They may also lead to unnecessary procedures that further strain the healthcare system.

Also, without a doctor’s input, it would be difficult for the average person to understand their test results accurately – it is not enough for patients to simply google their results to understand what is happening. This can, once again, lead to anxiety.

Some companies exploit people’s fears about their own health to get them to cough up large sums of money to order unnecessary tests. In this case, it would actually be more cost-effective to go for a doctor’s appointment and get a qualified doctor’s advice.

Although doctors are human beings and do get things wrong, it’s essential to maintain a trusting relationship with your doctor. If you’re unsure, you can always get a second opinion from another doctor. A doctor’s input is more valuable than “dry numbers” returned from lab results.

DIY Blood Tests: Conclusion 

DIY diagnostic tests are undoubtedly convenient, time-saving, and empowering, giving individuals more control over their health. However, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential pitfalls.

In some instances, they may lead to unnecessary testing, causing anxiety and potentially overburdening the healthcare system if the results are misinterpreted. 

Order Your Own DIY Blood Tests Online With QuickMD

Did you know? QuickMD offers the convenience of ordering your own labs, but with a crucial difference. All orders and results are meticulously reviewed by licensed physicians. This ensures that any abnormal test results are thoroughly discussed with the patient, providing expert guidance and avoiding potential misinterpretations.

Buspar (Buspirone) is classified as an anxiolytic, a medication used to treat general anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder. Its mechanism of action is not yet fully understood, although some scientists suspect it works on a part of the brain called the amygdala and other parts of the brain dealing with fear and the fight or flight response.

Buspar Dose

Buspar, conveniently available in tablet form, offers a flexible dosage range. The usual dose can vary from 7.5 mg twice a day to 60 mg a day, allowing for personalized treatment.

Common Side Effects of Buspar

Cost of Buspar

One of the advantages of Buspirone is its affordability. The price ranges from $4.00 to $18 for a bottle of 60 tablets, strength 10 mg. This ensures that you can manage your anxiety without breaking the bank.

How to Get a Prescription for Buspar

Buspirone is a prescription drug that requires a licensed prescriber or physician’s approval. However, QuickMD has made the process easier. You can now manage your anxiety remotely through telemedicine and get a prescription for Buspar online without the need for insurance. This convenient service is designed to put your mind at ease.

Hives, also known as urticaria, are raised red skin outbreaks that appear quickly, often in response to allergens such as certain foods or medications or due to emotional stressors. They can itch, burn, or feel painful and usually blanch upon slight pressure. A large percentage of people experience hives at some point in their lives.

Frequent Triggers of Hives

Some common triggers for hives include:

Treatment of Hives

In most cases, urticaria usually goes away by itself within 6 to 12 hours. However, in some patients, it may last for weeks or even months, with no apparent trigger found. Below are some remedies:

What is Prednisone?

Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication that reduces inflammation and suppresses the immune system. 

Prednisone mimics the action of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that regulates inflammation and immune response. It is used to treat a variety of conditions, including allergic reactions like hives, asthma, arthritis, and autoimmune diseases.

When prescribed online for hives, prednisone helps to alleviate symptoms by reducing the inflammation and immune response that causes the red, itchy, and swollen patches on the skin. It is usually taken orally in tablet form, with the dosage varying depending on the severity of the condition and the patient’s response to the treatment. 

Side Effects of Prednisone

While effective, prednisone can have side effects, especially with long-term use, so it is typically prescribed for short durations or at the lowest effective dose.

Common side effects of prednisone include:

Because of these potential side effects, prednisone should be taken exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider, and patients should be monitored regularly during treatment.

When to Seek Emergency Treatment for Hives

If you have difficulty breathing or swelling of the tongue or face, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Get Prednisone Online with QuickMD

Did you know? QuickMD can treat hives from the convenience of your home and provide you with a prescription for prednisone online. This means you can manage your hives without the hassle of visiting a doctor’s office, giving you more control over your health.

EpiPen (epinephrine) is a solution injected under the skin or into the thigh muscle to treat severe allergic reactions. It usually comes in a prefilled syringe as part of a so-called auto-injector.

What is Anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can take place suddenly, making it difficult to reach an emergency room in time. This is why EpiPen, used by the patient or a family member, can be life-saving. Contrary to popular belief, an anaphylactic reaction is not limited to the skin or the throat but can involve many organ systems.

Signs and symptoms of anaphylactic reactions are:

Causes of Anaphylaxis

Causes of anaphylaxis can be unique to any individual, but some common allergens are:

When to Use the EpiPen?

If you have a history of anaphylaxis and you know you have been exposed to something you are severely allergic to and are showing early signs, then use the EpiPen immediately to avoid progression to a severe anaphylactic reaction.

Anaphylaxis can be deadly if not treated promptly. 

However, it’s important to note that the EpiPen is a temporary solution, not a substitute for professional medical care. After using the EpiPen, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial to ensure proper follow-up and prevent potential complications.

Do EpiPens Expire?

EpiPens generally expire after about two years and should be replaced if not used within that time period.

EpiPens’ expiration dates are generally about two years from the date of manufacture. However, this time frame may be even less if the EpiPen has been exposed to heat—for example, by leaving it in a car during a hot day. 

According to one study, the EpiPen becomes significantly less effective when left in the car on a hot day, even just once. Therefore, it is crucial to keep the EpiPen with you in a bag or purse at all times and not leave it exposed to heat or the sun.

Remember, an expired or ineffective EpiPen may not provide the necessary relief during an anaphylactic reaction.

EpiPens: Final Thoughts

Did you know? QuickMD can provide you with a prescription for an EpiPen online, ensuring you are always prepared for the worst. Our online urgent care service is designed to give you peace of mind, knowing that you have access to this life-saving medication whenever you need it.

Antibiotics are effective only for bacterial infections, so taking them for non-bacterial illness is ineffective and potentially harmful.

Here are three key reasons why:

  1. Antibiotic Resistance: Our bodies naturally carry some bacteria. Indiscriminate use of antibiotics can lead to bacterial resistance. If these resistant bacteria cause an infection, antibiotics will be less effective.
  2. Limited Effectiveness: Each antibiotic can be used effectively only a finite number of times. Overuse forces pharmaceutical companies to invest in expensive research for new antibiotics, driving up healthcare costs.
  3. Side Effects: Antibiotics can cause side effects ranging from mild (upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea) to severe (rare cases of serious health complications, including death).

What is Bronchitis?

Bronchitis, or inflammation of the bronchi (tubes leading from the throat to the lungs), is most often caused by viruses, smoke, dust, or allergies, not bacteria. Bacterial bronchitis is less common but possible. It typically presents with symptoms such as high fever, productive cough with yellow or green sputum, and severe chest discomfort.

If non-bacterial bronchitis does not heal, secondary bacterial infection or bacterial pneumonia can occur, at which point antibiotics may be necessary.

Signs and Symptoms of Bronchitis

Bronchitis Prevention

Medications for Bronchitis

Note: Bronchitis, an acute inflammation of the bronchi, should not be confused with a COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) flare, which is a chronic condition characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms. A COPD flare often requires antibiotics, while bronchitis is usually managed with supportive care and symptom relief.If you are unsure about your condition, our doctors are here to help. QuickMD can provide online prescriptions for the appropriate medications, ensuring that you have access to the care you need from the comfort of your home. We’re here to support you in your journey to better health.