When to see a pharmacist and what they can do to help

EARACHE IN CHILDREN AGED ONE TO 17

While uncomfortable and even distressing for youngsters, earache is usually not serious. Most can be treated with simple painkillers, but if symptoms don’t improve within a couple of days, see a pharmacist.

Dr Leyla Hannbeck, of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, says: ‘The pharmacist will look into your ear. If it’s something they can treat, such as a build up of earwax, they will deal with it. If it’s something that requires a doctor, such as a burst eardrum, they’ll refer you.’

If a child has been unwell for more than three days, treatment could include antibiotics.

ACUTE SINUSITIS IN ANYONE OVER 12

Sinusitus causes the sinuses – cavities in the face – to become inflamed, which can lead to painful headaches and a blocked feeling in the nose. It will often clear up on its own, but pay a visit to the pharmacist if symptoms haven’t got any better after ten days.

Pharmacists will look for signs of serious infection that can’t be managed with rest and painkillers, such as a fever. In these cases the pharmacist may offer a strong steroid nasal spray or antibiotics.

SORE THROAT IN ADULTS AND OVER-FIVES

SORE throats normally get better without much intervention – NHS advice is to gargle with warm, salty water, stay hydrated and rest.

If symptoms don’t improve, a pharmacist may advise over-thecounter medicines such as ibruprofen, lozenges containing local anaesthetic, antiseptic or anti-inflammatory medicine.

In serious cases – with a fever, swollen or infected tonsils – patients may be given antibiotics or a referral to a GP will be made.

If there is difficulty breathing, swallowing (or extensive drooling in children), wheezing or making a high-pitched noise when breathing, or if the patient deteriorates, seek emergency medical help.

SHINGLES IN ADULTS AGED 18 AND OVER

SHINGLES is an infection that causes a painful, blistered rash, usually on the chest or stomach. The first signs are often a tingling or painful sensation, with a rash appearing on one side of the body two to three days later. It’s most common – and severe – in over-70s.

If you think you have shingles, you can visit the pharmacist as it can’t be spread easily. After an examination they may offer antiviral medication. These drugs are most effective if started within three days of the rash appearing. ‘We may also be able give you a cream to help the itchiness,’ Dr Hannbeck adds.

It takes about a month for the shingles rash to heal, and the pain can last longer. If symptoms go rapidly downhill or do not improve after seven days of treatment, the pharmacist will refer you to a GP.

IMPETIGO IN THOSE OLDER THAN 12 MONTHS

IMPETIGO is a skin infection that’s highly infectious but not usually serious. It causes red skin sores that burst and crust over, and is most common in young children.

The sores – which can look a bit like cornflakes stuck to the skin – are often on the face and can be itchy and sometimes painful.

Dr Hannbeck says: ‘We will assess the severity and, if needed, offer antibiotic cream or tablets.’

Another treatment is hydrogen peroxide cream – an antiseptic that works well in less severe cases.

If the pharmacist suspects that the infection has spread into the body, they may refer you to A&E.

INFECTED INSECT BITES FOR ANYONE OVER ONE

Insect bites are often painful, and a small, red lump can appear on the skin. They are not usually serious and will get better in a few days. Wash the skin with soap and water, and do not to scratch the area as it can increase the risk of infection.

Pharmacists may offer over-thecounter antihistamine drugs as well as low-strength steroid creams. They can also now prescribe antibiotics if they believe the bite has become infected.

Dr Hannbeck says: ‘If we suspect that the bite could be a tropical disease, such as malaria, we refer the patient to a specialist.’

UTIs IN WOMEN AGED FROM 16 TO 64

URINARY tract infections (UTIs) are bugs which mainly affect women. They can impact the urinary tract, bladder, urethra or kidneys. The uncomfortable condition is not usually serious, but causes a burning sensation when peeing, the sensation of needing to pee more often and sometimes a high temperature.

But for older, frail people, a UTI can be a serious health problem because it can trigger delirium – memory loss and sudden changes in behaviour – which is why over65s with symptoms should see a GP. Dr Hannbeck says: ‘UTIs are quite straightforward to diagnose, meaning most pharmacists can confidently make a call whether to prescribe antibiotics or not.’