The Common Ailments Scheme in Wales is an NHS scheme that provides free over-the-counter and prescription medicines to Welsh residents without them needing to see a doctor. The Common Ailments Scheme enables pharmacists to treat up to 26 minor ailments free of charge. No prescription is necessary for any of the medicines. Keep reading to learn how to treat common ailments in Longbridge with this scheme.
All community pharmacies in Wales participate in the scheme. However, to use this scheme, patients need to register with their preferred pharmacy. Your pharmacist will refer you to a doctor if they determine you should be seen by one.
What can you get on the common ailments scheme?
In addition to NHS advice and treatment for minor ailments that aren’t treatable by self-care, patients can access the common ailments service free of charge.
These ailments include:
- Acne
- Athlete’s foot,
- Pain
- Chickenpox
- Cold sores
- Colic
- Conjunctivitis
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Dry eyes
- Dermatitis
- Haemorrhoids
- Hay fever
- Head lice
- Indigestion
- In-growing toenails
- Ringworm
- Mouth ulcers
- Nappy rash
- Oral thrush
- Scabies
- Sore throat
- Teething
- Threadworms
- Vaginal thrush
- Verrucae
The free service allows patients to be in control of their health. The program allows people to receive a safe and appropriate level of treatment at no cost.
Learn how to treat a cold as well as causes of a sore throat in our previous blog posts here:
Treat a Cold Causes of a Sore Throat
Who can use this service to treat common ailments in Longbridge?
Referrals can be made by GPs or other healthcare professionals. Patients can also self-refer. Consult the pharmacist if you are unsure whether you should use this service or see your doctor.
How do I treat acne?
Acne treatment depends on its severity. However, the improvement of acne symptoms may take several months.
You can ask a pharmacist for advice if you have just a few blackheads, whiteheads, or spots. Benzoyl peroxide-containing gels and creams are some of the treatments available over the counter.
The following prescription medicines are effective in treating acne:
- Topical retinoids
- Topical antibiotics
- Azelaic acid
- Antibiotic tablets
- In women, the combined oral contraceptive pill
How do I treat backache?
Usually, back pain gets better within a few weeks or months.
It is particularly common to experience lower back pain. However, back pain can occur anywhere along the spine, from the neck to the hips.
Generally, this pain is not a result of anything serious and will end up getting better with time.
The following tips may help in reducing your back pain and hasten your recovery:
- Continue to be active as much as possible.
- Try stretching and exercises for back pain; other activities like walking, swimming, yoga, and pilates may be beneficial as well.
- Ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory painkillers can help. Check with a pharmacist whether the medicine is safe for you before taking it.
- For short-term relief, apply hot or cold compression packs. These are available from pharmacies. A hot water bottle or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a cloth or towel will also work.
GPs, specialists or physiotherapists may recommend additional treatments if self-help is not effective.
Treat common ailments in Longbridge (Cold sores)
It usually takes 10 days for cold sores to heal on their own. You can, however, reduce their pain.
A Pharmacist may suggest:
- Creams to reduce pain and irritation
- Antiviral creams to hasten recovery time
- Cold sore patches to offer protection to the skin while it heals
You can also get electronic devices that treat cold sores with either light or lasers.
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This post was written on behalf of Knights Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor
