What is self care?
Self care is about treating minor illnesses at home and seeking help when you need it. It is also about managing any conditions you have in a way that puts you in control, improves your quality of life and avoids you getting ill.
A range of health conditions can be managed with self care and you can view these here.
This page provides information on how you can treat minor illnesses at home.
To support self care at home you should keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet with essential medicines such as:
- painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen
- antihistamines
- anti-diarrhoeal medicine
- oral rehydration salts
- indigestion treatment
- first aid kit including plasters, bandages and a thermometer
Prescribing of over the counter medicines is changing
Your GP, nurse or pharmacist will not generally give you a prescription for a range of minor health concerns, such as, haemorrhoids, indigestion, athletes foot and nappy rash.
Instead, medicines are available to buy in local pharmacies or supermarkets.