NHS England has provided guidance on conditions that are suitable for self-care and can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) medications. This approach helps to ensure that NHS resources are used efficiently and that patients receive appropriate care for minor ailments. Below is a summary of the conditions that NHS England expects to be treated over the counter:
Self-Limiting Conditions
These are conditions that will resolve on their own without the need for medical intervention. Over-the-counter treatments can help alleviate symptoms while the body heals naturally. Examples include:
- Acute sore throat
- Infrequent cold sores of the lip (excluding immunocompromised patients)
- Conjunctivitis
- Coughs, colds, and nasal congestion
- Cradle cap (if not improving and causing distress to the infant)
- Haemorrhoids
- Infant colic
- Mild cystitis
Minor Conditions Suitable for Self-Care
These conditions can be managed effectively with OTC medications and do not typically require a GP appointment. Examples include:
- Mild acne
- Dandruff
- Diarrhoea (adults)
- Dry eyes/sore tired eyes
- Earwax
- Excessive sweating
- Head lice
- Indigestion and heartburn
- Infrequent constipation
- Infrequent migraine
- Insect bites and stings
- Mild dry skin
- Mild to moderate hay fever
- Minor burns and scalds
- Minor conditions associated with pain, discomfort, and/or fever (e.g., aches and sprains, headache, period pain, back pain)
- Mouth ulcers
- Nappy rash
- Oral thrush
- Prevention of dental caries
- Ringworm/athlete’s foot
- Sunburn
- Sun protection
- Teething/mild toothache
- Threadworms
- Travel sickness
- Warts and verrucas
Items with Limited Clinical Effectiveness
NHS England advises against prescribing items that have limited evidence of clinical effectiveness. These items include:
- Probiotics
- Vitamins and minerals (except in cases of medically diagnosed deficiencies or specific conditions such as osteoporosis)
By encouraging the use of over-the-counter treatments for these conditions, NHS England aims to reduce unnecessary GP appointments and prescriptions, allowing healthcare professionals to focus on more serious and complex health issues. Patients are encouraged to visit their local pharmacy for advice and treatment for these minor ailments.
For more detailed information, please refer to the NHS England guidance on conditions for which over-the-counter items should not be routinely prescribed in primary care12.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our practice.