At We Care, we understand that sometimes you may have health issues that aren’t serious but still need attention. Our Minor Ailments Service is here to help you manage these common conditions quickly and effectively. However, it is better to seek medical advice from your doctor if your symptoms persist or worsen.

What Are Minor Ailments?

Minor ailments are health problems that usually don’t require a doctor’s visit but a quick consultation with a licensed pharmacist. They can often be treated with over-the-counter medications or simple remedies. Some examples include:

  • Coughs and Colds: We can recommend products to ease symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat, or cough.

  • Allergies: Our pharmacists can suggest antihistamines and other treatments for seasonal allergies.

  • Skin Irritations: We advise on treating minor rashes, insect bites, or sunburns.

  • Digestive Issues: From heartburn to indigestion, we can guide you on effective over-the-counter solutions.

  • Headaches and Pain Relief: Whether it’s a headache or muscle ache, we can help find the right pain relief for you.

Common Minor Ailments We Help With

Acne

You may experience some of the symptoms below:
- Acne symptoms include pimples, blackheads, red bumps, and potential pain or itching.
- It can result in acne scars, leading to skin discoloration or texture irregularities.
- Acne can impact mental well-being, leading to low self-esteem, embarrassment, and anxiety.

Stuffy Nose (Allergic Rhinitis)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:
- Sneezing
- Stuffy nose or runny nose Itchy nose, eye, or throat.
- Typically, more than 7 days of continuous symptoms

Conjunctivitis (Allergic, bacterial or viral)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:
- Eye redness and difficulty opening eyes in the morning.
- Appearance of sticky or watery fluids from the eye.
-Mild scratching, itching, or burning sensation Bright lights hurt your eyes

Skin Rash (Dermatitis)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:
- Dry, red, and itchy skin.
- Cracked and oozed blisters.
- Darker or lighter patches of skin
- Scaly and patchy skin.

Period Cramps (Dysmenorrhea)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:
- Pain and cramps in the lower abdominal area.
- Pain in the lower back and starting a few hours before onset of a period.
- Pain can last a few hours to days

Heartburn / Acid Reflux (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:
- Burping / stomach acid rise from the stomach into the mouth.
- Burning feeling in the stomach or lower chest rising to the neck.
- Trouble getting a good night's sleep because of heartburn.
- Pain in the middle of the upper stomach area.
- Nausea

Dyspepsia (Bloating, belching, & nausea)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:
- Recurring or persistent pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen.
-Bloating, where the abdomen feels full and tight.
- Nausea, often accompanied by a sensation of queasiness or an urge to vomit.

Fungal Infections (onychomycosis, tinea corporis infection, tinea cruris infection or tinea pedis infection)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:
- Onychomycosis: Thickened, discolored nails with separation from the nail bed.
- Tinea corporis infection: Ring-shaped rash with redness, itching, and scaling.
- Tinea cruris infection (jock itch): Red, itchy rash in the groin area extending to the inner thighs.
- Tinea pedis infection (athlete's foot): Itchy, burning sensation with redness, peeling, and cracking between the toes.

Headache

You may experience some of the symptoms below:
- Tension headache: Aching or pressure-like pain with sensitivity to light or sound.
- Migraine headache: Throbbing pain on one side of the head with nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
- Cluster headache: Intense pain around one eye with redness, tearing, nasal congestion, and restlessness.

Hemorrhoids

You may experience some of the symptoms below:
- Itching, burning or swollen (with or without pain) around the anal / rectum area.
- Bright red blood during / after bowel movement.
- Constipation and difficulty in having a bowel movement Presence of a lump in the anal / rectum area.

Cold Sores (Herpes labialis)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:
- Cold sores presents as small, painful blisters on or around the lips.
- Preceding tingling or itching sensations may occur.
- Additional symptoms can include burning, swollen lymph nodes, and occasional fever or fatigue.

Impetigo

You may experience some of the symptoms below:
- It's a contagious skin infection characterized by red sores or blisters that quickly rupture, forming honey-colored crusts.
- It commonly affects the face, especially around the nose and mouth, but can also occur on other parts of the body.
- Itching, oozing, and spreading of the sores are common symptoms of impetigo.

Muscle aches and pains (Musculoskeletal sprains and strains)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:
- Pain, swelling or tenderness (light to medium).
- Redness or bruising.
- Limited motion and muscle weakness.
- Injury is associated with overworking or muscle / joint injured.

Nicotine Dependence (Tobacco addiction)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:
- Cravings: Strong and persistent desire for nicotine.
- Difficulty quitting: Struggles to stop or control tobacco use.
- Withdrawal symptoms: Physical and psychological effects when nicotine is discontinued.

Oral Ulcers 

You may experience some of the symptoms below:
- Canker sores (aphthous ulcers): Painful sores inside the mouth.
- Burning or tingling sensation before appearance.
- Difficulty eating, sensitivity to certain foods, and potential swelling or inflammation.

Oral Fungus (Oropharyngeal candidiasis)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:
- Oropharyngeal candidiasis (thrush): White, creamy patches in the mouth and throat.
- Discomfort or pain, especially while eating or swallowing.
- Loss of taste, dry mouth sensation, and unpleasant taste.

Shingles (Herpes zoster)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:
- Shingles: Painful, blistering rash on one side of the body.
- Burning or tingling sensation before blisters appear.
- Itching, sensitivity to touch, and flu-like symptoms.

Threadworms & Pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis or Enterobiasis)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:
- Itching around the anus or vagina.
- Restless sleep and discomfort, especially at night.
-Presence of tiny, white worms in stool or around the anus.

Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI): Frequent and urgent urination.
- Pain or burning sensation during urination.
- Lower abdominal pain, cloudy or strong-smelling urine.

Urticaria, including insect bites

You may experience some of the symptoms below:
- Urticaria (hives): Raised, itchy welts on the skin.
- Welts can appear and disappear rapidly in different areas of the body.
- Insect bites can cause localized redness, swelling, and itching.

Vaginal Candidiasis (Yeast infection)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:
- Vaginal itching and discomfort.
- Thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge.
- Redness, swelling, or soreness of the vaginal area.

Preventive Self-Care Strategies

Managing minor ailments at home can provide quick relief. Here are some effective self-care strategies to consider:

  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to help your body recover from colds and other minor illnesses.

  • Rest: Ensure you get enough sleep to support your immune system and allow your body to heal.

  • Use over-the-counter medications: For common issues like headaches or allergies, over-the-counter solutions can offer relief. Always follow the directions on the label.

  • Warm Compresses: For muscle aches or sinus pressure, apply a warm compress to help soothe discomfort.

  • Cold Remedies: Use throat lozenges or saline nasal sprays for relief from sore throats and nasal congestion.

  • Practice Good Hygiene: Regular handwashing can help prevent the spread of germs and reduce your chances of getting sick.

  • Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms. If they worsen or don’t improve after a few days, it’s best to seek professional advice.

  • Use Home Remedies: Natural solutions, like honey for coughs or ginger tea for digestive issues, can be effective for mild ailments.

  • Know When to Seek Help: If your symptoms persist or if you have concerns about your health, consult a healthcare provider for further assistance.

FAQ

What are minor ailments?

Minor ailments are common health issues that usually don’t require a doctor’s visit. They can often be treated with over-the-counter medications and advice from a pharmacist. Examples include coughs, colds, allergies, and headaches.

How can a pharmacist assist with minor ailments?

A pharmacist can provide guidance on treating minor ailments by recommending appropriate over-the-counter medications and remedies. They can help with conditions like skin irritations, digestive issues, and pain relief.

When should I seek medical advice from a doctor?

If your symptoms persist for more than a few days, worsen, or if you have concerns about your health, it’s best to consult a doctor for a thorough evaluation.

What types of minor ailments do you treat?

We can help with a range of minor ailments, including coughs, colds, seasonal allergies, headaches, indigestion, and skin irritations like rashes or insect bites.

What self-care tips can I follow at home for minor ailments?

To manage minor ailments at home, stay hydrated, get enough rest, use over-the-counter medications as directed, apply warm or cold compresses as needed, and practice good hygiene to prevent illness. Always monitor your symptoms and seek help if they don’t improve.