Independent Prescribing Services offered at Clynderwen Pharmacy
Vaginal Thrush (Aged 60+)
Eligibility: Non-pregnant females aged over 60
We provide treatment for symptoms of vaginal thrush.
Vaginal thrush is a common yeast infection caused by
an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida albicans. It affects the
vaginal area and can cause irritation and discomfort.
Common Symptoms:
- Itching or soreness around the vagina
- Thick, white vaginal discharge (often described as cottage cheese-like)
- Stinging or burning sensation, especially when urinating or during sex
- Redness or swelling of the vulva
It is not sexually transmitted and can affect women
of any age, though it is more common in younger women and those taking
antibiotics, pregnant, or with diabetes.
Treatment usually involves antifungal medication in the form
of tablets, creams, or pessaries, and symptoms typically clear within a
few days.
Infected In growing Toenail
For patients with ingrowing toenails showing signs of infection.
An ingrowing toenail occurs when the edge of the nail
grows into the surrounding skin, usually on the big toe. When the area becomes infected,
it can cause increased pain and swelling.
Common Symptoms of Infection:
- Redness and swelling around the nail
- Increased pain and tenderness
- Pus or fluid discharge
- Warmth in the affected area
- Difficulty wearing shoes or walking
Causes:
- Improper nail trimming (cutting nails too short or rounding edges)
- Tight-fitting shoes
- Injury or trauma to the toe
- Naturally curved toenails
Treatment:
Mild infections may be managed with antibiotics and
proper foot care. More severe cases may require the removal of part of the
nail or drainage of an abscess. Early treatment helps prevent
complications.
Cold Sores (Recurrent or Severe)
Treatment available for recurrent or severe cold
sores in patients who are at risk of complications.
Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are
small, fluid-filled blisters that usually appear on or around the lips. They
are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1).
Common Symptoms:
- Tingling, itching, or burning sensation before blisters appear
- Clusters of small blisters on the lip or around the mouth
- Blisters that burst and form a crust before healing
- Mild swelling or pain in the affected area
Triggers:
- Stress
- Illness (e.g. cold or flu)
- Sun exposure
- Hormonal changes
- Weakened immune system
Treatment:
While cold sores usually heal on their own within 7–10 days,
antiviral creams or tablets can help:
- Reduce the severity and duration of symptoms
- Prevent complications in people at higher risk (e.g. those with weakened immunity)
Cold sores are highly contagious, especially during
an outbreak.
Insect Bites & Stings
Assessment and treatment available for a range of insect
bites and stings.
Most insect bites and stings are mild and heal on
their own, but some can become infected or cause allergic reactions.
Common Symptoms:
- Redness, swelling, and itching at the site
- Pain or a stinging sensation
- Small lump or blister
- Mild warmth in the area
Signs of Infection:
- Increasing pain, swelling, or redness
- Pus or fluid from the bite/sting site
- Fever or feeling unwell
When to Seek Treatment:
- Symptoms worsen or do not improve after a few days
- Signs of infection develop
- You have a known allergy or experience signs of an allergic reaction (e.g.
difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips, dizziness)
Treatment Options:
- Antihistamines to reduce itching
- Pain relief if needed
- Topical creams or oral antibiotics if the area becomes infected
Gout
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric
acid crystals in the joints. It often comes on suddenly and causes severe
pain.
Common Symptoms:
- Sudden, intense joint pain — often in the big toe, but can also affect
ankles, knees, wrists, or elbows - Swelling, redness, and tenderness in the affected joint
- Shiny or tight skin over the joint
- Limited movement due to pain
Triggers:
- Certain foods (red meat, seafood, alcohol)
- Dehydration
- Obesity
- Certain medications or medical conditions
Treatment:
- Anti-inflammatory medication (e.g. NSAIDs or colchicine)
- Rest and elevation of the affected joint
- Cold compresses to reduce swelling
- Long-term management may include medication to lower uric acid levels
Early treatment helps relieve symptoms quickly and prevent
future attacks.
Ear Infections & Earwax
Eligibility: Patients aged 6 years and older
We treat:
- Middle ear infections
- Earwax buildup
- Outer Ear infections
Middle ear infection
Middle ear infections (otitis media) are common,
especially in children, and occur when the space behind the eardrum becomes
inflamed due to bacteria or viruses.
Common Symptoms:
- Ear pain (often sharp or throbbing)
- Fever
- Temporary hearing loss
- Irritability or fussiness (especially in children)
- Fluid drainage from the ear (in some cases)
- Feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
Causes:
- Often follow a cold or upper respiratory infection
- More common in children due to shorter, narrower Eustachian tubes
Treatment:
- Many cases clear on their own within a few days
- Pain relief (e.g. paracetamol or ibuprofen)
- Antibiotics if the infection is severe or doesn’t improve
- Ear drops may be used if there’s fluid discharge
Prompt treatment helps relieve discomfort and prevent
complications like hearing issues.
Earwax issues
Earwax is a natural substance that protects the ear canal
by trapping dust and debris. However, sometimes excess earwax can build up and cause problems.
Common Symptoms of Earwax Buildup:
- Feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear
- Reduced hearing or muffled sounds
- Earache or discomfort
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
- Itching or odour in the ear
Causes:
- Overproduction of earwax
- Using cotton buds or objects that push wax deeper
- Narrow or hairy ear canals
Treatment:
- Most earwax clears naturally
- Softening drops (e.g., olive oil or cerumenolytics) can help
- Professional removal by a healthcare provider if necessary
Avoid inserting objects into the ear canal to prevent injury.
Outer Ear Infections
Also known as “swimmer’s ear”, this affects
the ear canal and can be caused by bacteria, moisture, or irritation.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain in the outer ear (worse when touched or pulled)
- Itchiness in the ear canal
- Redness or swelling around the ear
- Fluid or pus-like discharge from the ear
- Blocked feeling or mild hearing loss
- Swollen lymph nodes near the ear (in some cases)
Skin Infections & Conditions
We offer treatment for both minor and more complex skin
issues.
Minor skin conditions (may not require an
appointment):
- Dry skin
- Ringworm
- Scabies
- Athlete’s foot
- Acne
More extensive infections we can assess and treat:
- Shingles
- Impetigo
- Cellulitis
- Abscesses (excluding dental)
- Boils
- Infected eczema
- Infected insect bites
Other skin conditions we can help manage:
- Contact dermatitis
- Scalp dermatitis
- Psoriasis
- Rosacea
- Hives
- Rashes
Sinusitis
Eligibility: Adults aged 18+
We offer support for symptoms of acute sinusitis.
Sinusitis is the inflammation or swelling of the
sinuses, often caused by infections, allergies, or nasal blockages.
Common Symptoms:
- Facial pain or pressure, especially around the forehead, cheeks, and eyes
- Nasal congestion or stuffiness
- Thick nasal discharge (yellow or green)
- Reduced or lost sense of smell
- Headache
- Cough, often worse at night
- Fever (in some cases)
Types:
- Acute sinusitis: Symptoms last less than 4 weeks, often following a cold
- Chronic sinusitis: Symptoms last 12 weeks or longer, may require specialist
care
Treatment:
- Rest and hydration
- Over-the-counter pain relievers and decongestants
- Nasal sprays or saline rinses to relieve congestion
- Antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected (usually for acute cases)
Most cases improve without antibiotics, but seek medical
advice if symptoms worsen or persist.
Sore Throat Test and Treat Service
If you have a sore throat, you can speak to a pharmacist for
advice. Most sore throats are caused by viruses and get better on their own,
but we can help with pain relief if needed.
If we think it might be a bacterial infection, we can do a
quick throat swab test. If the test is positive, we may supply antibiotics to
help treat it.
Available for patients aged 6 and over.
UTI Treatment Service – Female Only
If you’re a woman aged 16 to 64 and not pregnant, you
may be able to get treatment for a urinary tract infection (UTI)
directly from the pharmacy.
Common symptoms include:
• Burning or pain when urinating
• Needing to urinate more often
• Cloudy urine
We may carry out a urine test. If suitable, a course
of antibiotics can be provided.