Bug bites, bee stings, and staying safe in the sun - think 'Pharmacy first'

From itchy bug bites and stings to hay fever sniffles and sneezes, health teams across the North East and North Cumbria are encouraging people to get fast 'walk-in' care from their local pharmacy.

As the weather warms up, people are being asked to think 'Pharmacy first' this spring for advice and treatment, for many seasonal health issues, rather than booking an appointment with their GP.

Professor Ewan Maule, clinical director of medicines, North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) said: "The sun is shining, and it’s time to get outside and enjoy the warmer weather!

"But with sunshine and fresh air comes a few health issues.

“Pharmacies are a great first stop for help with things like hay fever, bites and stings and getting advice on staying safe in the sun. They’re local, easy to get to, and you don’t need an appointment – you can just walk in. It’s often much quicker than waiting to see a GP, especially for parents with young children.

“Many pharmacies have private consultation rooms and longer opening hours – including evenings and weekends, so you can get advice after school or work. And if you need more help, they’ll point you in the right direction.”

Community pharmacists can offer help and advice for: 

· Aches and pains - back pain, headache, period pain, teething

· Allergies - bites and stings, hay fever, skin reactions   

· Colds and flu – cough, congestion, sore throat, fever / temperature (including fever following immunisation)

· Ear care – earache, ear infection, ear wax

· Eye care - bacterial conjunctivitis, styes

· Gastrointestinal care – diarrhoea, constipation, indigestion, haemorrhoids (piles)

· Head lice

· Mouth care - cold sores, oral thrush, ulcers

· Skin care - athletes foot, contact dermatitis / atopic eczema, nappy rash, warts, and verrucae.

· Vaginal thrush

The national 'Pharmacy first' scheme also means pharmacists can now treat more conditions with prescription medicine, if needed, without needing a GP appointment including:

  • Sinusitis
  • Sore throat
  • Earache
  • Infected insect bites
  • Impetigo
  • Shingles
  • Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women

Any medicines prescribed will be free of charge for people who don’t normally pay for their prescriptions or charged at the usual NHS prescription rate for those who do.

“We want everyone to get the best care possible", added Professor Maule.

"If you have a serious health concern it’s still important to speak to your GP, but for minor or non-urgent problems a pharmacy can often help much more quickly and save you a trip to the doctor or hospital.”

Local community pharmacies can also offer free blood pressure checks for over 40s, access to oral contraception and COVID-19 spring vaccinations, available until 17 June, for over 65s and people who are immunosuppressed.