Pharmacy First

Acne is very common, especially in teens and young adults. It can look like blackheads, whiteheads or red, sore bumps on the face, back or chest.

Treatments need time to work — usually 6–12 weeks. A little dryness or irritation at the start is normal and usually settles.

• For ages 12+, we can supply benzoyl peroxide 5% gel.
• We’ll show you exactly how to use it and what to expect.
• If it’s more severe, we’ll advise when a GP review is best.

• Wash gently twice a day — no harsh scrubbing.
• Use non-comedogenic make-up and remove it before bed.
• Apply treatment to the whole area, not just individual spots.
• It can bleach fabrics — wash hands after applying.
• Pop on sunscreen — skin can be a little more sensitive.

• Under 12s
• Pregnant or breastfeeding people
• Severe acne, scarring, or no improvement after 12 weeks

Passing loose, watery stools more often than usual — often from a mild infection or food upset.

Most people feel better in a few days. The main risk is dehydration, especially for babies, young children and older adults.

• Oral rehydration sachets for adults and children 3 months+.
• Loperamide for ages 12+ if suitable.
• Clear safety advice and when to seek extra help.

• Frequent sips of fluid — water, diluted juice or clear soup.
• Small, light meals such as rice, toast or bananas.
• Good handwashing to stop it spreading.
• Stay home for 48 hours after symptoms stop.

• Babies under 3 months
• Pregnant people
• Blood in stools, severe tummy pain, signs of dehydration
• Symptoms lasting more than a few days

A fungal skin infection, usually between the toes, that can cause itching, redness and cracking.

It loves warm, damp places. It can spread on shared floors and by sharing towels or socks.

• Antifungal creams/gels such as clotrimazole, miconazole (12+) or terbinafine (16+) where suitable.
• Exactly how long to use them and how to prevent it coming back.

• Keep feet clean and dry; change socks daily.
• Choose breathable footwear; wear flip-flops in communal showers.

• If you have diabetes or poor circulation
• If it’s spreading to nails or not improving

Wax protects your ears, but sometimes it builds up and causes a blocked feeling, mild pain or reduced hearing.

It’s usually not serious, and simple drops often help.

• Olive oil or sodium bicarbonate drops for ages 12+.
• We’ll show you how to use them for up to 7 days and what to do next.

• Avoid cotton buds — they push wax deeper.
• Warm drops to room temperature before use.
• If it persists, you may need ear care from your GP or a specialist clinic.

• Children under 12
• Perforated eardrum, ear infection or discharge
• Ongoing problems after 7 days of drops

A common fungal rash in the groin/upper thigh that’s red, itchy and ring-shaped. It often spares the penis and scrotum.

It can be linked to athlete’s foot — treating both at the same time helps stop it coming back.

• Antifungal creams/gels (16+) and guidance on how to apply them.
• Options for inflamed skin where appropriate.

• Wash and dry the area thoroughly; wear loose cotton underwear.
• Change out of sweaty clothes promptly.

• Under 16s, pregnancy/breastfeeding, diabetes or weakened immunity
• Rash on the penis/scrotum, or not improving after 4 weeks

Swollen veins in or around the back passage that can itch, ache or bleed.

Simple diet changes and short-term treatments often help. If it’s your first time with bleeding, a GP check may be sensible.

• Advice on fibre, fluids and suitable short-term topical options.
• When to get a GP assessment if symptoms persist.

• High-fibre foods, plenty of water, and avoid straining.
• Warm baths can soothe discomfort.

• Severe pain/bleeding, black stools, or if you’re not sure it’s piles

Tiny insects that live in hair and spread by head-to-head contact. They’re common and nothing to feel embarrassed about.

Treat only when you find live lice. Check close contacts so you can treat together if needed.

• Detection combs and step-by-step wet-combing advice.
• Suitable treatments (e.g., dimeticone or malathion) for ages 6 months+.
• When and how to repeat treatment to clear them fully.

• School can continue; tie long hair; regular detection combing.
• Follow any fire-risk warnings with dimeticone products.

• Repeated treatment failures, signs of skin infection, or if you’re unsure it’s lice

Small, painful sores inside the mouth, often after minor knocks or irritation.

Most heal in 1–2 weeks. Ulcers that last longer than 3 weeks should be checked by a GP or dentist.

• Hydrocortisone buccal tablets (12+) for single ulcers, plus soothing care tips.
• Advice on triggers and good oral care.

• Warm salt-water rinses; avoid spicy/acidic foods.
• Soft toothbrush and good hydration.

• Under 12s, frequent or severe ulcers, fever or generally feeling unwell

A yeast infection in the mouth causing creamy-white patches that can be wiped off, leaving a red surface underneath.

More common if you use inhaled steroids, wear dentures or have recently taken antibiotics.

• Miconazole oral gel (from 4 months+) when suitable.
• Denture care tips and rinsing after inhalers.
• We’ll check for any medicine interactions.

• Good oral hygiene; clean/soak dentures nightly; consider stopping smoking.

• If you’re immunocompromised, very unwell, or symptoms last >3 weeks
• During pregnancy/breastfeeding for personalised advice

A tiny mite causes an itchy, pimply rash — often itchier at night. It spreads through close skin-to-skin contact.

Treat close contacts at the same time to avoid it bouncing back.

• Permethrin 5% or malathion 0.5% with clear application steps.
• Exactly when to repeat and how to treat everyone together.

• Wash or bag clothing and bedding used in the days before treatment.

• Crusted (Norwegian) scabies, very young infants, or if not improving

Small white worms that cause bottom itching, especially at night. Very common in children.

Treat the whole household (if suitable) to help stop reinfection.

• Mebendazole (ages 2+) and advice on when to repeat.
• Simple hygiene tips to break the cycle.

• Handwashing, short nails, a morning bath, and daily underwear/sheet changes for a few days.

• Under 2s, pregnancy/breastfeeding, tummy pain, or repeat infections

A yeast infection causing itching, soreness and a thick white discharge (usually without a strong smell).

First episodes after menopause, diabetes or frequent recurrences may need a GP plan.

• Clotrimazole cream/pessary or fluconazole capsule (ages 16–59) where appropriate.
• Advice to ease symptoms and reduce recurrences.

• Avoid perfumed products; choose loose cotton underwear.

• Pregnancy/breastfeeding, recurrent thrush (>2 in 6 months), coloured/offensive discharge, bleeding or fever

Warts on the soles of the feet. They’re harmless and often go away on their own, but can be annoying or tender.

Treatment can be slow and needs regular application to work.

• Salicylic acid preparations (ages 2+) and a simple, step-by-step routine.
• When to switch approach or get another opinion.

• Soak first, then gently file with an emery board; protect the skin around the verruca.
• Wear pool shoes in shared wet areas.

• Children under 2, diabetes, poor circulation, large/multiple (mosaic) verrucae, or if painful and persistent

Helps reduce the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex or a contraception slip-up. We’ll look after you in a private, friendly chat.

The copper IUD is the most effective option. Tablets work best the sooner they’re taken.

• Available for ages 13+ (with safeguarding as needed).
• We’ll advise on ulipristal (up to 120 hours) or levonorgestrel (up to 96 hours) where suitable.
• We can discuss bridging contraception and signpost for IUD fitting and STI testing.

• Use condoms to protect against STIs and arrange ongoing contraception that suits you.

• Complex medical history or if an IUD may be the better option — we’ll point you to the right clinic.

Most sore throats are viral and settle on their own. Some are caused by Strep A — we can test when it’s helpful.

Service available for ages 5+. We’ll assess symptoms and, if needed, do a quick swab to guide treatment.

• Pain-relief and self-care advice, plus testing/treatment where appropriate.
• Clear safety-netting and when to seek further help.

• Fluids, rest and simple pain relief. Most people feel better within a week.

• If you’re very unwell, have red-flag symptoms, or fall outside the service criteria.

Lower UTI can cause burning when peeing, needing to go often and urgency in otherwise healthy women.

We follow NI guidance to treat appropriately and help prevent antibiotic resistance.

• Private assessment for women aged 16–64 registered with a NI GP.
• Urine testing if required and antibiotic supply when indicated.
• Clear advice on what to watch for and when to get further help.

• Drink regularly, don’t hold urine, and consider urinary pain relief if suitable.

• Pregnancy, recurrent/complicated UTIs, or if you’re outside the 16–64 criteria.

Pop in without an appointment for a quick, confidential chat. We’ll assess, advise and treat where eligible — or refer if needed.

Advice is free. Treatment is free when you’re eligible under NI Pharmacy First; we’ll explain anything that isn’t covered.

• Any regular medicines, allergies, or relevant test results.
• Photo ID for some services (we’ll let you know if needed).

We’ll see you in a private consultation room and keep your information secure.