Common Ailment Service Wales
The NHS Wales Common Ailment Service in Wales is supported by our pharmacy to assist patients with access to advice and appropriate treatment for minor illnesses and common health complaints without the need for a GP appointment.
Just walk-in to our pharmacy. Conditions we can treat as part of the Common Ailment Service are:
COMMON AILMENT SERVICE
No Appointment, No Fuss - Just Expert Help
Acne
Acne is a common skin condition that affects most people at some point. It causes spots, oily skin and sometimes skin that’s hot or painful to touch. Acne most commonly develops on the face which affects almost everyone with acne, on the back or on the chest.
Expert treatment for acne breakouts and related skin issues.
Backache
Back pain, particularly lower back pain, is very common. It usually improves within a few weeks but can sometimes last longer or keep coming back. Back pain can range from a muscle ache to a shooting, burning or stabbing feeling. We can help you with back pain.
Expert relief for back pain - fast.
Chickenpox
Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is a highly contagious viral infection that causes an itchy rash and blisters. Chickenpox is contagious for 1 to 2 days before the rash starts and until the blisters have all dried and become scabs.
Fast and effective treatment for contagious chickenpox rash.
Cold Sores
Cold sores are small blisters that develop on the lips or around the mouth. They’re caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and usually clear up without treatment within 7 to 10 days. Our experienced pharmacists can help you with cold sores.
Get relief from cold sores with our expert pharmacists.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is a common eye condition that causes the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelid to become red, swollen, itchy, and inflamed. Conjunctivitis can be caused by allergies, viruses, or bacteria.
Treatment for red, itchy eyes caused by allergies, viruses, or bacteria.
Constipation
Constipation is a common condition that affects people of all ages. It can mean that you’re not passing stools regularly or you’re unable to completely empty your bowel. Constipation can also cause your stools to be hard and lumpy, as well as unusually large or small.
Relief from Constipation: Get regular and comfortable bowel movements.
Dermatitis
Dermatitis is a common condition that causes swelling and irritation of the skin. It has many causes and forms and often involves itchy, dry skin or a rash. Or it might cause the skin to blister, ooze, crust or flake. We can help you here at our pharmacy.
Relief for dermatitis at our pharmacy.
Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is passing looser, watery or more frequent poo (stools) than is normal for you. It affects most people from time to time and is usually nothing to worry about. It can be distressing and unpleasant. It normally clears quickly or our pharmacist can help you.
Fast relief for diarrhoea with our pharmacist.
Dry Eyes
Dry eyes, also known as dry eye syndrome or keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a common condition that occurs when your eyes don't produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly. If left untreated, dry eyes can cause lasting damage to the corneal surface and declining vision.
Expert treatment for dry eyes and improved vision.
Eye Infection
Eye infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, and can affect one or both eyes. You should see a pharmacist if your symptoms don't improve, or if you experience vision loss or sensitivity to light. You should also avoid wearing contact lenses until the infection has cleared.
Expert care for eye infections: See a pharmacist for fast relief and proper management.
Haemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids (HEM-uh-roids), also called piles, are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum. Hemorrhoids are similar to varicose veins. Hemorrhoids can develop inside the rectum, called internal hemorrhoids. They also can develop under the skin around the anus.
Relief for swollen veins in the anus and rectum - Hemorrhoid care.
Hay Fever
Hay fever is a common allergic condition. It affects up to 1 in 5 people at some point in their life. You’ll experience hay fever symptoms if you have an allergic reaction to pollen. Pollen is a fine powder released by plants as part of their reproductive cycle. Need some help?
Allergy relief for pollen sufferers - treatment for hay fever symptoms.
Head Lice
Head lice are tiny insects that live in hair. Nits are the empty egg cases attached to hair that head lice hatch from. They’re largely harmless, but can live in the hair for a long time if not treated and can be irritating and frustrating to deal with. Our pharmacists can help you with head lice.
Head lice relief from our pharmacists.
Indigestion
Indigestion can be pain or discomfort in your upper abdomen (dyspepsia) or burning pain behind the breastbone (heartburn). Dyspepsia and heartburn may occur together or on their own. Symptoms usually appear soon after eating or drinking. Our pharmacists can help you with indigestion.
Relief for Indigestion with Our Pharmacists.
Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail is a common problem where the nail grows into the toe. It can be painful, but there are things you can do to ease the pain. You usually get an ingrown toenail on your big toe. But you can get them on any toe. We can help you with ingrowing toenails.
Pain relief for ingrown toenails - Any toe, we can help!
Mouth Ulcers
Mouth ulcers are painful sores that appear in the mouth. They’re uncomfortable but they’re usually harmless. Most clear up by themselves within 1 to 2 weeks. Mouth ulcers are common and can usually be managed at home or our pharmacist can help you.
Fast relief for mouth ulcers with our help.
Sore Throat
Sore throats are a frequent occurrence, but usually not a cause for concern. With time, they typically resolve on their own, lasting no longer than a week. So, there's no need to fret when the discomfort hits. Our pharmacy first service can help you to speedily recover.
Quickly heal sore throats with our pharmacy service.
Teething
Teething is the process by which a baby's first teeth break through the gums. It's a normal physiological process that usually causes mild discomfort. The central incisors are the first primary teeth to erupt, usually between 6 and 10 months of age.
Comforting teething relief for babies aged 6-10 months.
Threadworms
Threadworms (pinworms) are tiny worms in your poo. They’re common in children and are spread easily. You may spot threadworms in your poo. The worms look like threads of white cotton and are about 1cm long. You can treat them without seeing a GP by using our walk-in service.
Painless pinworm treatment at our walk-in clinic.
Thrush
Thrush is a very common yeast infection. It’s not a sexually transmitted infection. It’s usually harmless but it can be uncomfortable and keep coming back. Some people have no signs of thrush at all. Sometimes there is too much yeast and it can cause symptoms.
Expert treatment for thrush and recurring yeast infections.
Verrucas
A verruca, a plantar wart, is a wart that grows on the bottom of the foot and is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Verrucas can be contagious and spread by contact with an infected person or by touching contaminated surfaces, like in a pool or shower.
Removal of contagious plantar warts on foot caused by HPV.
Warts
Warts are small lumps that often develop on the skin of the hands and feet. They vary in appearance and may develop singly or in clusters. Most people will have warts at some point in their life. They tend to affect children and teenagers more than adults. Need some help?
Wart Removal Services: Smooth, Clear Skin Guaranteed!
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About Common Ailment Service Wales
We can provide you the same treatments you would get from a GP.
The Common Ailment Service Wales is an accessible service for all, where you can receive support, advice and if necessary, medication to support you with common conditions.
How Do I Access the Service?
Anyone who is staying in Wales for at least 24 hours after visiting the pharmacist can use the service.
Simply visit our pharmacy.
There is no need to book an appointment but if you have a fever or are experiencing any other COVID related symptoms, please call ahead to speak to a member of the Pharmacy Team before visiting us in person.
What to expect?
- Information Request: The pharmacist will ask for your name, date of birth, and postcode to record the consultation.
- Consultation: Discuss your symptoms with the team.
- Advice and Treatment: Receive expert advice and, if necessary, medication.
- Referral: If more specialised care is needed, our team may refer you to another healthcare professional, such as your GP.
- Privacy: If you prefer privacy, you can request to use the consultation area or room.
The Common Ailment Scheme is unable to prescribe antibiotics without a prescription approved by a GP. If you require antibiotics eg. urine/skin infection you will be redirected to your GP surgery.
What is the Common Ailment Service?
The Common Ailment Service is designed to help people living in Wales access health care from their pharmacist without waiting for a GP appointment first. The in-store-only service will give you access to support and treatment whenever you need it.
What Conditions are Covered?
Our teams can offer advice and treatment using over-the-counter medications for a variety of common conditions including constipation, diarrhoea, head lice, haemorrhoids, mouth ulcers, threadworms, warts, dry eyes, ear wax removal, eczema, as well as pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications for various conditions.
