Pharmacists can now assess for minor ailments and prescribe you medication. All you need is your health card.

You can also click on the button below to learn more about the minor ailment system as described by the Ontario Pharmacist Association.

Call us today if you have any questions or to check availability for assessment!

Click on the various tabs to learn more about each of the available minor ailments.

What you need to know!

Some women experience painful menstrual periods, also known as dysmenorrhea, which can include abdominal cramps, back pain, headaches, fatigue, and nausea. While this is a common condition and usually not serious, it can be caused by an infection or ovarian cysts, or be related to endometriosis. To manage painful periods, women can use heating pads or take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Regular exercise may also help prevent symptoms. If the pain persists, women should consult their healthcare provider to be examined for possible causes and to explore other treatment options such as birth control pills.

If you have a sports injury, remember RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation for the first two days or until the swelling goes away. Rest the injured area, apply ice every few hours, bandage the injury, and raise the injured area above the level of the heart. Seek medical attention if you think you need medication for pain and swelling or if the injury does not improve within two weeks or the pain worsens despite treatment.

Different cases of pink eye show different symptoms check the table and see what relate to you.

Oral candidiasis, also known as thrush, is an infection in the mouth or throat caused by Candida, a yeast-like fungus. It appears as whitish or yellowish patches on the tongue or inside the cheeks. Anyone can get thrush, but it is more common in newborn babies, people who wear dentures, have dry mouth, certain diseases or take certain medications. To prevent thrush, practice good oral hygiene, see a healthcare provider if you have dry mouth, avoid mouthwashes with a lot of alcohol, disinfect dental appliances and dentures, and rinse your mouth with water after using inhaled corticosteroids. If you have thrush, see a healthcare provider for medication, swish and swallow the recommended dose, and throw away your old toothbrush.

Dermatitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the skin. It is characterized by redness, itching, and swelling of the affected area. There are different types of dermatitis, including atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and stasis dermatitis. The causes of dermatitis can be varied, ranging from genetic predisposition to exposure to irritants or allergens. Treatment options include topical creams and ointments, oral medications, and lifestyle changes such as avoiding triggers or using gentle skin care products.

Tick bites occur when a tick, a small parasitic insect, attaches itself to a human or animal host and feeds on their blood. Ticks can carry various diseases, including Lyme disease, which is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi.

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) refers to the use of antibiotics to prevent the development of Lyme disease after a tick bite. PEP is recommended in cases where the tick has been attached for more than 36 hours and where there is a high risk of Lyme disease transmission.

The choice of antibiotics and duration of treatment for PEP may vary depending on the patient’s age, medical history, and the type of tick that caused the bite. It is important to remove the tick as soon as possible and to clean the bite area thoroughly with soap and water. Early detection and treatment of Lyme disease can help prevent the development of more serious complications, such as joint pain, neurological problems, and heart issues.

Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) are bacterial infections that occur in the urinary tract, including the bladder, urethra, and occasionally the kidneys. These infections are more common in women than men and can cause symptoms such as frequent urination, burning or pain during urination, and lower abdominal pain.

The treatment for uncomplicated UTIs typically involves a short course of antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria causing the infection. Pain relief medication may also be prescribed to alleviate discomfort. Drinking plenty of fluids and urinating frequently can help flush out bacteria from the urinary tract. It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve, to prevent the infection from returning or worsening.

While acne usually appears on the face, it can also affect other areas such as the chest, back and upper arms. Severe acne, and picking or squeezing pimples can result in permanent scarring.

Causes and triggers
Acne often starts at puberty and can last 5 to 10 years. Occasionally, it can continue into adulthood. Some women may notice that their acne flares up in the days leading up to their monthly period.
Contrary to popular belief, acne is not caused by dirty skin, eating chocolate or greasy foods. Some factors, however, may promote breakouts or worsen acne, including:
  • Hormone fluctuations
  • Certain cosmetic products
  • Stress
  • Repeated friction (e.g., sports helmet, music instrument, etc.)
  • Picking or squeezing pimples
  • Overwashing
  • Hair in close contact with the face
Genetics may also explain why certain individuals develop acne. In fact, if either parent had acne, their children are more likely to develop acne as well. Lastly, certain medications, such as oral corticosteroids, certain contraceptive pills and some medications used to treat epilepsy, can cause acne.

A canker sore is a shallow, crater-shaped sore that develops on the tongue or on the inside of the lip or cheek. It usually has a red border and a white or yellowish centre. A canker sore can be small or large in size (> 1 cm), and there may be more than one sore at a time.

While canker sores are not contagious, they tend to run in families. Anyone can get a canker sore, but they occur more commonly in women, adolescents, and young adults.

 

Causes and triggers
The exact cause of canker sores is unknown, but it is thought that they may be related to stress or to injuries to the inside of the mouth (e.g., accidentally biting yourself). The following factors may also contribute to canker sores:
  • Certain systemic diseases (e.g., inflammatory bowel diseases)
  • Hormonal changes
  • Use of certain medications
  • Vitamin deficiency (e.g., vitamin B12)
  • Highly acidic foods (citrus, tomatoes, etc.

Diaper rash is an irritation that develops on the skin that is covered by a diaper, or more specifically, the buttocks and groin area. Mild cases are characterized by redness, while more severe cases result in sores (pimple-like bumps, pustules, or others). Though diaper rash is rarely contagious, the irritation can, on occasion, progress and develop into a bacterial or yeast infection.

Causes and triggers
Diaper rash can be caused by various factors, including friction, certain irritants (urine, feces, etc.), a change in skin pH, or an allergic reaction. Prolonged skin contact with urine and feces, the use of irritating cleansing products, episodes of diarrhea, and antibiotic use can all cause or worsen diaper rash.
It is quite common for women to experience mild nausea and occasional vomiting during pregnancy. Symptoms usually occur between the 5th and 18th week of pregnancy, but in some cases, it may last for the duration of the pregnancy.
While pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting can be unpleasant, it is usually not harmful to the unborn child. Severe symptoms (vomiting every day, significant weight loss) can lead to dehydration as well as vitamin and nutrient deficiencies. Prompt treatment is therefore essential.
Causes and triggers
The cause of pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting is not well known, but may be associated with changes in hormone levels, genetic predisposition, and psychological factors. Some women are more likely to develop these symptoms, including:
  • Those who are pregnant with more than one child (twins, triplets, etc.).
  • Those who developed nausea and vomiting in a previous pregnancy.
  • Those whose mother or sister experienced these symptoms during pregnancy.

The parasite that causes this infection is called a pinworm, also known as Enterobius vermicularis. Adult pinworms resemble tiny white threads that measure about 0.5 cm long. The eggs are invisible to the naked eye; they can only be seen using a microscope.

Causes and triggers
Pinworm infection is caused by the ingestion of pinworm eggs. This generally occurs through contact with an infected person or contaminated objects. In very rare cases, infection can also result from swimming pool use or inhalation of airborne eggs. Pinworms do not infect pets, only humans.
Children have a higher risk of infection. They aren’t yet in the habit of washing their hands regularly and often put their hands in their mouths. This can lead to reinfection. Also at risk is anyone in close contact with an infected person, including:
  • Someone living in the same house as the infected person
  • Someone who takes care of the infected person (e.g., at school, at daycare, in a health care facility)
Symptoms
The main symptom is itching which can sometimes be intense. It is caused by a substance that the female pinworm uses to stick her eggs around the anus during the night. In many cases, the infected person will experience no symptoms. For others, the itching can be bad enough to cause difficulty sleeping. Some may even develop a skin infection from scratching. In cases of severe infection, symptoms can include:
  • Stomach pains
  • Irritability
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
Pinworms reach maturity after 1 to 2 months. It can therefore take up to 60 days from infection for the first symptoms to appear. At the onset of symptoms, the anal area should be checked 2 to 3 hours after the infected person falls asleep. If no parasites are visible, the tape test can be done.
Tape test
The test should be done in the morning upon waking.

Vaginal yeast infections are common in women. They are characterized by the following symptoms:

  • Itching or irritation of the vulva or the vaginal opening.
  • Odourless vaginal discharge that has the consistency of cottage cheese (white, thick and clumpy).
  • Reddened and swollen vaginal tissue.
  • Pain with intercourse or with urination may also occur.
Causes and triggers
A vaginal yeast infection is caused by a type of fungus, known as yeast, that is naturally present in the vagina. An imbalance in the normal vaginal flora can lead to an overgrowth of yeast, resulting in an infection.
While vaginal yeast infections are not a sexually transmitted infection, they are more common in women who are sexually active. Also, they are more likely to develop in the time surrounding the menstrual period. The following factors may also contribute to an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina:
  • The use of certain medications (e.g., antibiotics, hormonal contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy)
  • Weakened immune system
  • Pregnancy
  • Poorly controlled diabetes