Common Ailments / Your Local Pharmacy
For many everyday health concerns, your local pharmacy can provide quick and effective advice and treatment without the need to see a GP.
Pharmacies now offer services such as the Common Ailments Scheme / Pharmacy First, where trained pharmacists can assess your condition in a private consultation and, where appropriate, provide treatment or medication—often free of charge.
Many pharmacies also have independent prescribing pharmacists, meaning they can prescribe certain medications without you needing to visit your GP.
Common conditions that can be treated by your local pharmacy include:
acne, athlete’s foot, acute back pain, chickenpox (under 14), cold sores, colic, conjunctivitis, constipation, dermatitis, diarrhoea, dry eyes, haemorrhoids, hay fever, head lice, indigestion and reflux, impetigo, mouth ulcers, nappy rash, oral thrush, scabies, sore throat and tonsillitis, teething, threadworms, vaginal thrush, and verrucas.
Please note: You may be directed to your local pharmacy if this is the most appropriate service for your needs. This helps ensure you receive timely care and allows GP appointments to be prioritised for more complex conditions.