Minor Ailments

Our pharmacists are available for walk-in assessments — no doctor’s appointment needed. They can evaluate your symptoms, provide expert advice, recommend over-the-counter treatments, and prescribe medication for certain minor ailments.

Not sure if your condition qualifies, or unsure what might be causing your symptoms?

Take a look at the list of common minor ailments and their key symptoms below. This can help you better understand your condition and whether our pharmacist-led care is the right fit for you.

See the list below to find out which conditions we can help you with.

Acne

• Pimples or blackheads
• Oily skin
• Red, inflamed bumps on
   the face, chest, or back

Acne is a common skin condition characterized by pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. Our pharmacist can advise on proper skincare routines and recommend prescription and non-prescription treatment options that suit your skin type.

Urinary Tract Infections

• Burning sensation when    urinating
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Lower abdominal discomfort

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are bacterial infections in the urinary tract. Our pharmacist can assess and treat uncomplicated UTIs for specific patients.

Canker Sores

• Small, painful sores inside
    the mouth
• White or yellow centre
    with red border
• Discomfort when eating
    or speaking

Aphthous ulcers, also known as canker sores, are small, painful sores that develop inside the mouth. Our pharmacist can recommend over-the-counter treatments to relieve discomfort and promote healing.

Allergies

(e.g., seasonal or environmental)

• Sneezing and runny nose
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Nasal congestion

Seasonal allergies can cause sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and a runny nose. Our pharmacist can help you find the right allergy relief, including prescription nasal sprays, non-drowsy antihistamines, and over-the-counter options.

Morning Sickness

• Nausea in the morning
• Vomiting
• Fatigue during early pregnancy

Morning sickness is common during early pregnancy. Our pharmacist can prescribe medication to help manage mild to moderate nausea and vomiting, providing relief and support during this time.

Diaper Dermatitis

(Diaper Rash)

• Red, irritated skin in diaper area
• Mild swelling or tenderness
• Fussiness during diaper
   changes

Seasonal allergies can cause sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and a runny nose. Our pharmacist can help you find the right allergy relief, including prescription nasal sprays, non-drowsy antihistamines, and over-the-counter options.

Pink Eye

(Conjunctivitis)

• Redness in one or both eyes
• Itchy or gritty sensation
• Eye discharge or crusting

Pink Eye (conjunctivitis) is an eye infection that causes redness and irritation. Our pharmacist can recommend over-the-counter eye drops and assess the need for prescription medication treatments when appropriate.

Impetigo

• Red sores or blisters, often
   around the nose and mouth
• Yellowish-brown crust
   forming on sores
• Itching or mild pain

Morning sickness is common during early pregnancy. Our pharmacist can prescribe medication to help manage mild to moderate nausea and vomiting, providing relief and support during this time.

Dysmenorrhea

(Menstrual Cramps)

• Cramping pain in lower
   abdomen
• Pain starting before or
   during period
• Back or thigh discomfort

Dysmenorrhea refers to painful menstrual cramps caused by uterine contractions during menstruation. Our pharmacist may prescribe an appropriate medication to meet your treatment needs.

Hemorrhoids

• Itching or discomfort around
   the anus
• Bright red blood during bowel
   movements
• Swelling or a lump near the anus

Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels that cause discomfort and bleeding. Our pharmacist can recommend OTC medications to help relieve symptoms as well as prescription medication treatments.

Tick Bites

(Early Stage)

• Red spot or rash at the bite site
• Mild swelling or irritation
• Possible flu-like symptoms
   if infection develops

After a tick bite, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is sometimes recommended to prevent Lyme disease, a bacterial infection transmitted by black-legged (deer) ticks. Our pharmacist can show you how to remove the tick from your skin appropriately and will assess whether antibiotics are needed for treatment.

Oral Thrush

• White patches in the mouth
   or on the tongue
• Soreness or burning sensation
• Difficulty swallowing

Oral Trush is a fungal infection of the mouth and throat. Our pharmacist can provide an assessment for the use of antifungal mouthwashes and symptom management.

Dermatitis

(e.g., eczema)

• Red, dry, or scaly skin
• Itching
• Patches that may crack or ooze

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a chronic condition causing itchy, dry skin, often triggered by allergens or genetic predisposition. Our pharmacist can recommend and prescribe topical corticosteroids, moisturizers, and other treatments to help manage symptoms.

GERD

(Acid Reflux)

• Burning sensation in the chest
   (heartburn)
• Regurgitation of food or acid
• Bitter taste in the mouth

GERD is a chronic condition where stomach acid or bile flows back into the esophagus, irritating its lining. Our pharmacist will assess your condition and recommend appropriate medications.

Cold Sores

• Tingling or burning around
   the lips
• Painful, fluid-filled blisters
• Crusting over as they heal

Cold Sores are painful blisters that typically occur around the lips and are caused by the herpes simplex virus. In addition to prescribing medications that help to kill the virus, our pharmacist can recommend products such as lip balms and ointments to help relieve your symptoms.

Musculoskeletal Sprains & Strains

• Pain and swelling in joints
   or muscles
• Bruising or limited movement
• Stiffness or tenderness

Sprains involve overstretching or tearing of ligaments (the tissues that connect bones), while strains affect muscles or tendons. Our pharmacist may prescribe a medication to relieve the pain and reduce the swelling caused by the sprain or strain.

Insect Bites and Hives

• Red, itchy bumps or welts
• Swelling at the site of the bite
• Sudden onset of raised,
   itchy patches (hives)

Insect bites or stings can cause localized swelling, redness, and itching due to an allergic reaction or skin irritation. Our pharmacist will assess your symptoms and recommend antihistamines or other appropriate medications.

Yeast Infection

(Vaginal)

• Tingling or burning around
   the lips
• Painful, fluid-filled blisters
• Crusting over as they heal

Vulvovaginal candidiasis, or a yeast infection, is caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a fungus naturally present in the vaginal area. Our pharmacist can recommend anti-fungal medications, such as oral or topical treatments, based on your symptoms.

Pinworms & Threadworms

• Itching around the anus,
   especially at night
• Restless sleep
• Visible worms in stool
   or around anal area

Pinworms, or threadworms, are small parasitic worms that infect the intestines, especially in children. Our Pharmacist can recommend antifungal creams, ointments, or oral medications depending on the severity and location of the infection.

Note that prescribing common ailments is not always covered by provincial health care, so a pharmacy fee may apply. The ability of our pharmacists to assess and prescribe for certain minor ailments depends on provincial regulations. Some conditions may require a referral to a doctor or another healthcare provider. Prescriptions are provided at the pharmacist’s discretion based on an assessment of your symptoms and medical history. If symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsening, seek medical attention immediately.

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