Pharmacy Services & Self-Care Resources

Think Pharmacy First.

Did you Know?

Most pharmacies can offer prescription medicine for some conditions, without you needing to see a GP or make an appointment. This is called Pharmacy First.

Conditions they can offer prescription medicine for are:

  • impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
  • infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
  • earache (aged 1 to 17 years)
  • sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
  • sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
  • urinary tract infections (UTIs) (women aged 16 to 64 years)
  • shingles (aged 18 years and over)

Pharmacy

Please Help the NHS to Use Resources Sensibly

Your GP or nurse will not generally give you a prescription for over the counter medicines for a range of minor health concerns.

The team of health professionals at your local pharmacy can offer help and clinical advice to manage minor health concerns and if your symptoms suggest it’s more serious, they’ll ensure you get the care you need.

The below conditions should first be addressed with over-the-counter medications which can be purchased at your local pharmacy/chemist:

  • Acute Sore Throat
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Coughs, colds and nasal congestion
  • Cradle cap
  • Dandruff
  • Diarrhoea (adults)
  • Dry eyes/sore tired eyes
  • Ear wax
  • Excessive sweating
  • Haemorrhoids
  • Head lice
  • Indigestion and heartburn
  • Infant colic
  • Infrequent cold sores of the lip
  • Infrequent constipation
  • Infrequent migraine
  • Insect bites and stings

  • Mild cystitis
  • Mild dry skin or irritant dermatitis
  • Mild to moderate hayfever
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Nappy rash
  • Minor pain, discomfort and fever (i.e. aches and sprains, headaches, period pains, back pain)
  • Oral thrush 
  • Prevention of tooth decay
  • Ring worm
  • Athletes foot
  • Sunburn and sun protection
  • Teething/mild toothache
  • Threadworms
  • Travel sickness
  • Warts and Verrucaes
  • Mild acne
  • Mild burns and scalds

Page last reviewed: 15 December 2025
Page created: 26 January 2021