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We all suffer from everyday health issues from time to time, especially during the winter months. Generally these are not serious or require a doctor’s visit, but can be treated and managed with self-care measures and over-the-counter products. But, sometimes knowing what to do first can be confusing and this is where your local pharmacist can help.

Pharmacists are specially trained to assess your health condition and recommend an appropriate treatment plan specifically for you. In order to do this, they usually need to ask a few questions. Even if you’ve had the same condition before or used a product previously, spending a few minutes with your pharmacist giving them the information they need, can help you save time and money on trying things that don’t work or might even make your condition worse.
 
Everyday problems that your pharmacist can help with this winter include…

COLD SORES
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Once the virus has entered your body and you’ve had one cold sore, the virus never leaves. For most people affected, cold sores are a recurring problem throughout their life.
 
From time to time they will get the tell-tale signs that a cold sore is about to break out – a tingling, burning, stinging or itching feeling around the mouth or nose. Cold sores can be a real pain and are best treated at the first sign of one forming.

Your pharmacist can advise on which anti-viral cream is best for you so you can be ready to act next time you notice tingling.

ATHLETE'S FOOT
This is a fungal skin infection on the feet caused by the fungus, tinea pedis. Fungi like to live in the warm, dark, moist environments provided by shoes and socks.

Athlete’s foot can appear as dry, red, cracked, scaly or peeling skin. Sometimes there may be blisters, white patches, burning or stinging and an unpleasant smell. Athlete’s foot won’t go away by itself, and can even spread if you do nothing.

Your pharmacist can advise on antifungal treatments to help get rid of athletes’ foot and help stop it coming back.

ECZEMA
Also known as dermatitis, eczema is a condition characterised by inflammation of the skin. The skin becomes red, scaly, dry and cracked and it may feel like sandpaper.
 
Eczema is an ongoing condition that can flare up from time to time. Avoiding things that irritate the skin is one way of keeping eczema under control.
Equally important is to have an effective skin care plan to keep the skin from drying out. Using soap substitutes, bath oils and moisturisers that will help prevent dryness and itching are key parts of that plan. Your pharmacist can recommend products that will work best for your skin. 

SORE THROATS
Common symptoms of a sore throat include pain in the throat and difficulty swallowing.  While most sore throats are viral and are not usually serious, there can be another cause such as a strep infection.
 
Your pharmacist can help determine what’s causing your sore throat and if they feel it’s necessary will refer you to your doctor. If your sore throat is viral then antibiotics won’t help but you may still want advice on how to relieve the pain and make swallowing easier.
 
Your pharmacist can help you choose which pain-relieving medicines, throat gargles or sprays and lozenges will be best for you.




TAPS NA297

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View Pharmacy Guild – Cold Sores video »


 
Ask your pharmacist for good, healthy advice

  
 
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