Evidence-Based Health Guides
Physician-written guides covering symptoms, treatment options, clinical guidelines, and when to seek care — written in the same voice used with patients in clinical care.
Acute & Urgent Care (18 guides)
Evidence-Based
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Causes, symptoms, the 2025 IDSA guideline changes, first-line antibiotics, recurrence prevention, and when watchful waiting is appropriate.
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Evidence-Based
Sinus Infections (Sinusitis)
Viral vs. bacterial sinusitis, why most cases don't need antibiotics, the 2025 AAO-HNS guideline, and when imaging matters.
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Evidence-Based
Common Cold & Influenza (Flu)
How to tell them apart, Tamiflu timing and effectiveness, evidence on OTC remedies, and when cold and flu symptoms warrant emergency care.
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Evidence-Based
COVID-19 & Paxlovid Treatment
Current variant landscape, Paxlovid eligibility and timing, drug interactions, rebound risk, and why treatment still matters in 2026.
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Evidence-Based
Ear Infections (Otitis Media & Externa)
Middle ear vs. outer ear infections, when antibiotics are needed, watchful waiting in children, and swimmer's ear treatment.
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Evidence-Based
Seasonal Allergies (Allergic Rhinitis)
Nasal corticosteroids vs. antihistamines, immunotherapy options, the allergy-asthma connection, and evidence on air purifiers and nasal rinses.
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Evidence-Based
Cold Sores (HSV-1)
Antiviral timing, suppressive therapy, asymptomatic shedding, transmission prevention, and what patients get wrong about HSV-1.
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Evidence-Based
Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
Viral vs. bacterial vs. allergic conjunctivitis, when antibiotics help, return-to-school guidelines, and red flags for urgent referral.
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Evidence-Based
Sore Throat (Pharyngitis)
Viral vs. bacterial sore throat, the Centor criteria for strep testing, antibiotic treatment, and red flags for peritonsillar abscess.
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Evidence-Based
Cellulitis (Skin Infection)
IDSA guidelines for skin infections, when MRSA coverage is needed, cellulitis vs. abscess vs. DVT, and prevention of recurrence.
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Evidence-Based
Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
The 72-hour antiviral window, postherpetic neuralgia prevention, Shingrix vaccine data, and red flags for ophthalmic zoster.
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Evidence-Based
Gout
ACR 2020 guidelines, colchicine timing, acute flare management, urate-lowering therapy, and separating dietary facts from myths.
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Evidence-Based
Dental Pain
What a primary care physician can prescribe for dental pain, when antibiotics are indicated for abscess, and bridge care until you see a dentist.
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Evidence-Based
Tick Bite & Lyme Prevention
IDSA 2020 guidelines for tick bite prophylaxis, single-dose doxycycline criteria, tick identification, Lyme disease stages, and other tick-borne illnesses.
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Evidence-Based
Dog Bite Treatment
Wound irrigation protocols, Pasteurella infection risk, amoxicillin-clavulanate prophylaxis, wound closure decisions, rabies assessment, and when to go to the ER.
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Evidence-Based
Cat Bite Treatment
Why cat bites infect at 30-50% rates, Pasteurella multocida urgency, antibiotic prophylaxis for all cat bites, hand bite dangers, and Kanavel signs.
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Evidence-Based
Motion Sickness
Scopolamine patches, antihistamines, non-drug strategies, risk factors, and how telehealth can help you get the right prevention plan before you travel.
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Evidence-Based
Epinephrine Auto-Injector (EpiPen)
When to use epinephrine, proper injection technique, EpiPen vs. generic auto-injectors, anaphylaxis recognition, and refill management via telehealth.
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Skin Conditions (12 guides)
Evidence-Based
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Moisturizer-first strategy, topical steroid safety, biologics and JAK inhibitors, trigger identification, and the food allergy connection.
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Evidence-Based
Acne Treatment
OTC vs. prescription options, retinoid selection, hormonal acne patterns, isotretinoin safety, and realistic treatment timelines.
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Evidence-Based
Contact Dermatitis
Irritant vs. allergic contact dermatitis, patch testing, topical corticosteroid potency ladder, occupational dermatitis, and prevention strategies.
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Evidence-Based
Dandruff & Seborrheic Dermatitis
Malassezia yeast pathophysiology, medicated shampoo comparison, prescription options, scalp vs. facial involvement, and maintenance therapy.
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Evidence-Based
Rosacea
Four subtypes, phenotype-based management, ivermectin and metronidazole, low-dose doxycycline, Demodex association, and laser therapy options.
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Evidence-Based
Psoriasis
AAD-NPF guidelines, topical and systemic therapy, biologics overview, psoriatic arthritis screening, and cardiovascular comorbidity management.
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Evidence-Based
Tinea (Ringworm) & Fungal Infections
Dermatophyte types by body location, topical vs. oral antifungals, tinea capitis in children, onychomycosis treatment, and tinea incognito.
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Evidence-Based
Tinea Versicolor (Pityriasis Versicolor)
Malassezia yeast biology, topical and oral antifungal options, 60-80% recurrence management, and why discoloration persists after treatment.
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Evidence-Based
Poison Ivy, Oak & Sumac
Urushiol dermatitis, decontamination timing, topical vs. oral steroid treatment, the 14-21 day prednisone taper rule, and common myths debunked.
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Evidence-Based
Head Lice Treatment
Permethrin, malathion, ivermectin, spinosad, benzyl alcohol, super lice resistance, proper nit combing techniques, and updated school policies.
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Evidence-Based
Scabies Treatment
Permethrin 5% cream, oral ivermectin, crusted scabies management, household decontamination, post-treatment itch, and the latest clinical guidelines.
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Evidence-Based
Anti-Aging Skin Treatment
Tretinoin, retinoids, sunscreen, vitamin C, chemical peels, microneedling, and what the dermatology evidence actually supports for skin aging.
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Sexual Health & STIs (2 guides)
Evidence-Based
Chlamydia Treatment
CDC 2021 guideline shift to doxycycline, NAAT testing, expedited partner therapy, screening recommendations, and reinfection prevention.
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Evidence-Based
Genital Herpes (HSV-2)
First-episode treatment, suppressive vs. episodic antiviral therapy, transmission reduction strategies, pregnancy management, and partner counseling.
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Chronic Conditions & Medication Management (8 guides)
Evidence-Based
Asthma
The GINA 2025 treatment changes, controller vs. rescue inhalers, inhaler technique, action plans, and when to go to the ER.
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Evidence-Based
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Blood pressure targets, medication classes and selection, home monitoring technique, lifestyle modifications, and medication refill guidance.
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Evidence-Based
Type 2 Diabetes Medications
Metformin, GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, the 2025 ADA Standards, cardiorenal protection, and managing medication costs.
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Evidence-Based
High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia)
Statin therapy, the nocebo effect on muscle pain, LDL vs. HDL, PCSK9 inhibitors, bempedoic acid, and cardiovascular risk calculation.
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Evidence-Based
Anxiety & Depression Medications
SSRIs, SNRIs, and buspirone compared, realistic timelines for improvement, discontinuation syndrome, and combining medication with therapy.
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Evidence-Based
Migraine Treatment
Triptans, CGRP inhibitors, acute vs. preventive therapy, medication overuse headache, and when imaging is actually needed.
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Evidence-Based
Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)
Levothyroxine dosing, TSH monitoring intervals, absorption factors, when to suspect thyroid disease, and managing refills via telehealth.
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Evidence-Based
Acid Reflux & GERD
PPIs vs. H2 blockers, lifestyle modifications that actually work, long-term PPI safety concerns, and when reflux symptoms need further evaluation.
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Men's & Women's Health (8 guides)
Evidence-Based
Birth Control Refills
Comparing pills, patch, ring, and injection, refill eligibility via telehealth, missed-dose protocols, and common side effect misconceptions.
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Evidence-Based
BPH & Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
Benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment in 2026: new AUA guideline, uroselective alpha blockers, 5-ARIs, tadalafil + 5-ARI combo, and when to escalate to procedures like Aquablation, PAE, or HoLEP.
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Evidence-Based
Erectile Dysfunction
ED as a vascular warning sign, PDE5 inhibitor comparison, cardiovascular safety, lifestyle interventions, and the psychology of ED.
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Evidence-Based
Male Pattern Hair Loss
Finasteride and minoxidil evidence, realistic expectations, side effect data, low-level laser therapy, and why biotin supplements don't work.
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Evidence-Based
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
CDC treatment guidelines, recurrent BV management, the 2025 partner treatment study, and how to tell BV from a yeast infection.
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Evidence-Based
Yeast Infections (Vulvovaginal Candidiasis)
OTC vs. prescription treatment, recurrent VVC suppressive therapy, why self-diagnosis is often wrong, and yeast infection vs. BV.
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Evidence-Based
Mastitis (Breast Infection)
ABM 2022 protocol for lactational mastitis, inflammatory vs. bacterial causes, antibiotic selection, breastfeeding continuation, and abscess management.
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Evidence-Based
Vaginal Dryness Treatment
Topical estrogen options, non-hormonal alternatives, ospemifene, when to consider systemic HRT, and managing prescriptions via telehealth.
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Travel Medicine (1 guide)
Lifestyle & Specialty (5 guides)
Evidence-Based
GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications
The new oral Foundayo (orforglipron) vs. Wegovy and Zepbound, phase 3 trial data, cardiovascular benefits, weight regain after stopping, 2026 pricing, and who should consider therapy.
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Evidence-Based
Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
Primary vs. secondary causes, diagnostic criteria, aluminum chloride, glycopyrronium, oral anticholinergics, iontophoresis, botulinum toxin, and telehealth treatment options.
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Evidence-Based
Eyelash Growth (Bimatoprost)
FDA-approved bimatoprost (Latisse) for eyelash hypotrichosis, application technique, realistic timeline, side effects, and how OTC alternatives compare.
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Evidence-Based
Smoking Cessation
Varenicline, nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion, combination strategies, realistic quit timelines, and managing prescriptions via telehealth.
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Evidence-Based
Performance Anxiety Treatment
Propranolol for situational anxiety, CBT referral criteria, when beta-blockers are appropriate, medication timing, and telehealth prescribing.
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At-Home Testing (3 guides)
Evidence-Based
Visby At-Home PCR Test for STIs
Physician review of the first FDA-authorized at-home PCR test for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. Clinical performance, buyer's guide, and dual-path next steps for a positive result.
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Evidence-Based
AZO Home UTI Test Strips Review
Evidence-based review of the most widely sold OTC UTI dipstick. Sensitivity, specificity, false-negative scenarios, when to skip it, and dual-path next steps for a positive result.
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At-Home Testing
Everlywell STI Test Panel Review
Evidence assessment of the Everlywell mail-in STI panel — self-collected NAAT accuracy, dried blood spot serology, coverage gaps, and what a positive result requires next.
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EDITORIAL STANDARDS
How this library is written, reviewed, and corrected
Independent. Evidence-based. No advertiser influence. No affiliate links. Read our full editorial policy, source selection criteria, and corrections process.
Latest Articles
AI in Medicine
AI Chatbot Mental Health Lawsuits: What Settlements Reveal About Crisis Response Failures
Series Week 4 of 6. The January 2026 Character.AI/Google settlements document systemic failure patterns: no escalation protocols, no age-gating, no parental notification. What the NAM panel found about adolescent susceptibility — and where supervised AI reliably helps in mental health.
At-Home Testing
Everlywell STI Test Panel Review: What the Evidence Says About Mail-In Sexual Health Testing
Evidence assessment of Everlywell's mail-in STI panel — self-collected NAAT accuracy, dried blood spot serology performance, uptake data, what the panel covers, and dual-path next steps after a positive result.
AI in Medicine
Hallucination Rates in Medical AI: What the Citation Fabrication Data Tells Us
Series Week 3 of 6. GPT-3.5 fabricates 55% of citations. Bard hallucinates 91.4% of medical references. A peer-reviewed breakdown of AI hallucination rates across models and tasks — and where verification is essential vs. where AI adds reliable value.
About These Guides
Every guide in this collection is written by Parth Bhavsar, MD — a board-certified family medicine physician and founder of TeleDirectMD. These are not summaries of other websites or rehashed patient handouts. Each guide reflects the same clinical reasoning and evidence review that informs real patient care, translated into language any patient can follow.
Peer-Reviewed Sources
Every clinical claim cites published guidelines, trials, or systematic reviews.
Current Guidelines
Updated to reflect 2025-2026 clinical practice standards.
No Commercial Bias
No sponsored content. No affiliate links. No product endorsements.