Minor Ailments

Consultation

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Minor Illness and Common Condition Assessment

Speak to a Pharmacist to see if they can assess and prescribe you a treatment, if appropriate, for a minor illness or common condition you may be experiencing. Conditions include bladder/urinary tract infection, cold sores, skin rash, allergies, and many more.

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Choose Your Health Condition

Select the condition you'd like to discuss with our licensed pharmacists. Each consultation includes personalized treatment recommendations and expert guidance.

Bladder / Urinary Tract Infection (UTI: Uncomplicated)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Frequent urination, pain while urinating and difficulty holding in urine
  • Pain in lower abdomen and a small amount of blood in the urine
  • Absence of vaginal discharge
  • Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

NOTE: Pharmacists may only assess and prescribe for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) and must follow clinical guidelines when providing minor ailment services.

Some factors that may be considered complicated under the applicable guidelines and require referral to a physician or a nurse practitioner include pregnancy, immunocompromised patients, relapse of UTI within 4 weeks of previous episode, and individuals assigned male at birth.

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

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
Cold Sores (Oral Herpes Labialis)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Rash or bump around border of the lip
  • Presence of clear, sticky fluid around the rash
  • Itching, tingling, or burning may lead to the rash
  • Redness or inflamed skin around the rash
Acne (Mild)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Presence of whiteheads and blackheads
  • Small red bumps and pimples with pus
  • Less than 30 total bumps/pimples and not all are inflamed (red in appearance)
Allergies – 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
Morning Sickness (Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Nausea or vomiting at any time of the day due to pregnancy
  • Not able to keep food or drink down for more than 12 hours
Skin Rash / Eczema (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
Vaginal Yeast Infection (Vaginal Candidiasis)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance
  • Itching, burning and pain during urination and/or sexual intercourse
  • Rash and redness of vaginal area
Oral Fungal Infection (Oral Thrush)
  • White or creamy-white spots / patches on the lips, inside of mouth, tongue and / or the roof of the mouth
  • Cottage cheese-like appearance
  • Patches can be scraped off
  • Dry mouth and / or loss of taste
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
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
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
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
Canker Sores (Oral Aphthous Ulcer)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Painful and shallow white- or cream-colored ulcers with a raised red border that are round or oval
  • Presence of ulcers inside cheeks, lips, sides of tongue, roof and floor of the mouth
  • Less than 1cm in diameter
Skin Infection (Impetigo)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Bump that changes into a blister surrounded by rash
  • Yellow discharge that dries to form a "golden" or "honey-colored" crust
  • Can affect face, arms or legs
Insect Bites and Itch

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Small bump or blister. May feel pain, itching, redness or swelling.
  • Feeling of a sharp burning pain which can sting
Diaper Rash (Diaper Dermatitis)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Rashes and redness around the diaper area of babies and toddlers for more than 3 days.
  • Pain and crying while urinating, diaper changes and during defecating.
  • Can affect the sleep pattern
Threadworms and Pinworms

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Detection of worms in stool or near anus
  • Anal itching, especially at night
  • Restless sleep
  • There may be itching in your vaginal area if adult worms move there
  • Feeling irritable and having trouble concentrating
  • Abdominal pain that comes and goes
Tick Bites (Prevention of Lyme Disease)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Tick bite by black-legged tick
  • A red lump present, but swelling, blistering, bruising, itching or other infections may develop
  • Mild allergic reaction (hives, rash, and light swelling at the bite site)

NOTE: It's important to monitor for signs of Lyme disease after a tick bite, including the development of a bull's-eye rash (erythema migrans), fever, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint aches.

Some factors that may require medical attention include development of a spreading rash, flu-like symptoms, or if the tick was attached for more than 24 hours.

Bladder / Urinary Tract Infection (UTI: Uncomplicated)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Frequent urination, pain while urinating and difficulty holding in urine
  • Pain in lower abdomen and a small amount of blood in the urine
  • Absence of vaginal discharge
  • Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

NOTE: Pharmacists may only assess and prescribe for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) and must follow clinical guidelines when providing minor ailment services.

Some factors that may be considered complicated under the applicable guidelines and require referral to a physician or a nurse practitioner include pregnancy, immunocompromised patients, relapse of UTI within 4 weeks of previous episode, and individuals assigned male at birth.

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

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
Cold Sores (Oral Herpes Labialis)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Rash or bump around border of the lip
  • Presence of clear, sticky fluid around the rash
  • Itching, tingling, or burning may lead to the rash
  • Redness or inflamed skin around the rash
Acne (Mild)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Presence of whiteheads and blackheads
  • Small red bumps and pimples with pus
  • Less than 30 total bumps/pimples and not all are inflamed (red in appearance)
Allergies – 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
Morning Sickness (Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Nausea or vomiting at any time of the day due to pregnancy
  • Not able to keep food or drink down for more than 12 hours
Skin Rash / Eczema (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
Vaginal Yeast Infection (Vaginal Candidiasis)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance
  • Itching, burning and pain during urination and/or sexual intercourse
  • Rash and redness of vaginal area
Oral Fungal Infection (Oral Thrush)
  • White or creamy-white spots / patches on the lips, inside of mouth, tongue and / or the roof of the mouth
  • Cottage cheese-like appearance
  • Patches can be scraped off
  • Dry mouth and / or loss of taste
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
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
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
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
Canker Sores (Oral Aphthous Ulcer)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Painful and shallow white- or cream-colored ulcers with a raised red border that are round or oval
  • Presence of ulcers inside cheeks, lips, sides of tongue, roof and floor of the mouth
  • Less than 1cm in diameter
Skin Infection (Impetigo)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Bump that changes into a blister surrounded by rash
  • Yellow discharge that dries to form a "golden" or "honey-colored" crust
  • Can affect face, arms or legs
Insect Bites and Itch

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Small bump or blister. May feel pain, itching, redness or swelling.
  • Feeling of a sharp burning pain which can sting
Diaper Rash (Diaper Dermatitis)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Rashes and redness around the diaper area of babies and toddlers for more than 3 days.
  • Pain and crying while urinating, diaper changes and during defecating.
  • Can affect the sleep pattern
Threadworms and Pinworms

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Detection of worms in stool or near anus
  • Anal itching, especially at night
  • Restless sleep
  • There may be itching in your vaginal area if adult worms move there
  • Feeling irritable and having trouble concentrating
  • Abdominal pain that comes and goes
Tick Bites (Prevention of Lyme Disease)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Tick bite by black-legged tick
  • A red lump present, but swelling, blistering, bruising, itching or other infections may develop
  • Mild allergic reaction (hives, rash, and light swelling at the bite site)

NOTE: It's important to monitor for signs of Lyme disease after a tick bite, including the development of a bull's-eye rash (erythema migrans), fever, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint aches.

Some factors that may require medical attention include development of a spreading rash, flu-like symptoms, or if the tick was attached for more than 24 hours.

Sore throat (Acute Pharyngitis)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Pain or scratchy sensation in the throat
  • Pain that worsens with swallowing or talking
  • Red, swollen throat or tonsils
  • Hoarse voice
  • Mild fever, body aches, or swollen neck glands

NOTE: Are you experiencing difficulty breathing or swallowing saliva? Is your sore throat accompanied by drooling or inability to swallow liquids? Do you have severe neck swelling or stiffness? Have you had a sore throat lasting longer than 10 days? Are you immunocompromised?

Calluses and Corns

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Thickened, rough skin patches
  • Hard, raised bumps (corns), often painful with pressure
  • Yellowish, waxy appearance of affected skin
  • Tenderness when walking or wearing shoes

NOTE: Do you have diabetes, poor circulation, or peripheral neuropathy? Is there open wound, ulcer, or infection around the corn/callus? Are you experiencing severe pain or inability to walk?

Headache (Mild)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Dull, aching head pain
  • Pressure or tightness across forehead, temples, or back of head
  • Sensitivity to light or noise (sometimes)
  • Mild nausea or fatigue

NOTE: Is this the worst headache of your life or sudden onset (thunderclap)? Do you have vision changes, confusion, weakness, or difficulty speaking? Is your headache associated with fever, stiff neck, or rash? Is the headache persistent for more than 10 days despite treatment? Do you have a history of cancer, head trauma, or immunosuppression?

Shingles (Herpes Zoster)


You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Pain, burning, or tingling in a specific area
  • Red rash appearing a few days after pain begins
  • Fluid-filled blisters that break open and crust over
  • Itching or sensitivity in the affected area
  • Fever or headache (sometimes)

NOTE: Do you have a rash on your face, near your eyes, or on the tip of your nose? Do you have vision changes or eye pain with the rash? Are you immunocompromised or on long-term steroids? Do you have widespread rash affecting multiple areas?

Acute Insomnia

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Difficulty falling asleep
  • Waking up during the night or too early
  • Daytime tiredness or fatigue
  • Irritability, anxiety, or low mood
  • Difficulty concentrating during the day

NOTE: Are you experiencing suicidal thoughts or severe depression? Is your insomnia associated with sudden onset psychosis or mania? Do you have symptoms of untreated sleep apnea (loud snoring, pauses in breathing)?

Fungal Nail Infections

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Thickened nails
  • Yellow, brown, or white nail discoloration
  • Brittle, crumbly, or ragged nails
  • Nails that change shape or lift from the nail bed
  • Unpleasant nail odor (sometimes)

NOTE: Is there pain, swelling, pus, or signs of bacterial infection around the nail? Do you have diabetes or peripheral vascular disease? Has your nail suddenly changed color or shape (suspicious for melanoma)?

Swimmer's Ear (Otitis Externa)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Itching inside the ear canal
  • Redness and swelling of the outer ear
  • Ear pain that worsens when pulling the ear
  • Watery or pus-like ear discharge
  • Muffled hearing (sometimes)

NOTE: Do you have fever, spreading redness, or swelling of the ear and face? Is there severe pain with movement of the ear? Is there hearing loss, dizziness, or discharge that is bloody/persistent? Are you immunocompromised or diabetic?

Head Lice (Pediculosis)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Itchy scalp, especially at night
  • Small red bumps or sores from scratching
  • Visible lice eggs (nits) attached to hair shafts
  • Tickling feeling of something moving in the hair

NOTE: Do you have infected sores or significant scalp swelling? Is there fever or spreading skin infection? Have lice persisted despite multiple appropriate treatments?

Nasal Congestion (Viral Rhinitis, Rhinosinusitis)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Sneezing and mild sore throat
  • Postnasal drip (mucus in the throat)
  • Facial pressure or mild headache
  • Loss of smell or taste (sometimes)

NOTE: Do you have persistent symptoms lasting more than 3 weeks? Are symptoms worsening after initial improvement? Do you have high fever, severe facial pain, or swelling around eyes? Is there vision change or double vision? Are you immunocompromised?

Dandruff (Seborrheic Dermatitis)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • White or yellow flakes on the scalp, hair, or shoulders
  • Itchy scalp
  • Dryness or greasy patches on the scalp
  • Mild redness or irritation around affected areas

NOTE: Do you have widespread rash beyond scalp and face? Is there pus, pain, or yellow crusting suggesting infection? Is hair loss sudden and severe?

Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Circular, red, scaly rash with raised edges
  • Itchy skin in affected areas
  • Clearer skin in the center of the ring
  • Mild burning or discomfort

NOTE: Is the rash spreading rapidly, painful, or oozing pus? Do you have a fever or feel generally unwell with the rash? Is the rash on your face near the eyes? Has the rash not improved after over-the-counter antifungal use for 2 weeks?

Jock Itch (Tinea Cruris)
You may experience some of the symptoms below:
  • Red, itchy rash in the groin, buttocks, or inner thighs
  • Rash with raised edges and central clearing
  • Burning or irritation, especially after sweating
  • Flaky or peeling skin in affected area
NOTE: Is there spreading redness, pain, or pus suggesting bacterial infection? Do you have associated fever or swollen lymph nodes? Is the rash persistent despite OTC antifungal use?
Warts (Verrucae)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Small, fleshy growths on skin
  • Rough texture with small black dots (clotted blood vessels)
  • May appear singly or in clusters
  • Painful when located on weight-bearing areas (plantar warts)

NOTE: Do you have warts on your face or genitals? Is the wart bleeding, painful, or rapidly changing in size/color? Are you immunocompromised (HIV, transplant, chemotherapy)?

Dry Eye (Xerophthalmia, Dry Eye Disease)
 
You may experience some of the symptoms below:
  • Stinging, burning, or scratchy feeling in the eyes
  • Stringy mucus in or around the eyes
  • Eye redness
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Blurry vision or eye fatigue
NOTE: Do you have sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or sensitivity to light? Is there significant eye redness, swelling, or pus? Do you wear contact lenses and have pain or vision changes? Do you have a history of autoimmune disease (e.g., Sjögren's, lupus)?
Bladder / Urinary Tract Infection (UTI: Uncomplicated)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Frequent urination, pain while urinating and difficulty holding in urine
  • Pain in lower abdomen and a small amount of blood in the urine
  • Absence of vaginal discharge
  • Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

NOTE: Pharmacists may only assess and prescribe for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) and must follow clinical guidelines when providing minor ailment services.

Some factors that may be considered complicated under the applicable guidelines and require referral to a physician or a nurse practitioner include pregnancy, immunocompromised patients, relapse of UTI within 4 weeks of previous episode, and individuals assigned male at birth.

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

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
Cold Sores (Oral Herpes Labialis)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Rash or bump around border of the lip
  • Presence of clear, sticky fluid around the rash
  • Itching, tingling, or burning may lead to the rash
  • Redness or inflamed skin around the rash
Acne (Mild)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Presence of whiteheads and blackheads
  • Small red bumps and pimples with pus
  • Less than 30 total bumps/pimples and not all are inflamed (red in appearance)
Allergies – 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
Morning Sickness (Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Nausea or vomiting at any time of the day due to pregnancy
  • Not able to keep food or drink down for more than 12 hours
Skin Rash / Eczema (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
Vaginal Yeast Infection (Vaginal Candidiasis)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance
  • Itching, burning and pain during urination and/or sexual intercourse
  • Rash and redness of vaginal area
Oral Fungal Infection (Oral Thrush)
  • White or creamy-white spots / patches on the lips, inside of mouth, tongue and / or the roof of the mouth
  • Cottage cheese-like appearance
  • Patches can be scraped off
  • Dry mouth and / or loss of taste
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
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
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
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
Canker Sores (Oral Aphthous Ulcer)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Painful and shallow white- or cream-colored ulcers with a raised red border that are round or oval
  • Presence of ulcers inside cheeks, lips, sides of tongue, roof and floor of the mouth
  • Less than 1cm in diameter
Skin Infection (Impetigo)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Bump that changes into a blister surrounded by rash
  • Yellow discharge that dries to form a "golden" or "honey-colored" crust
  • Can affect face, arms or legs
Insect Bites and Itch

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Small bump or blister. May feel pain, itching, redness or swelling.
  • Feeling of a sharp burning pain which can sting
Diaper Rash (Diaper Dermatitis)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Rashes and redness around the diaper area of babies and toddlers for more than 3 days.
  • Pain and crying while urinating, diaper changes and during defecating.
  • Can affect the sleep pattern
Threadworms and Pinworms

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Detection of worms in stool or near anus
  • Anal itching, especially at night
  • Restless sleep
  • There may be itching in your vaginal area if adult worms move there
  • Feeling irritable and having trouble concentrating
  • Abdominal pain that comes and goes
Tick Bites (Prevention of Lyme Disease)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Tick bite by black-legged tick
  • A red lump present, but swelling, blistering, bruising, itching or other infections may develop
  • Mild allergic reaction (hives, rash, and light swelling at the bite site)

NOTE: It's important to monitor for signs of Lyme disease after a tick bite, including the development of a bull's-eye rash (erythema migrans), fever, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint aches.

Some factors that may require medical attention include development of a spreading rash, flu-like symptoms, or if the tick was attached for more than 24 hours.

Sore throat (Acute Pharyngitis)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Pain or scratchy sensation in the throat
  • Pain that worsens with swallowing or talking
  • Red, swollen throat or tonsils
  • Hoarse voice
  • Mild fever, body aches, or swollen neck glands

NOTE: Are you experiencing difficulty breathing or swallowing saliva? Is your sore throat accompanied by drooling or inability to swallow liquids? Do you have severe neck swelling or stiffness? Have you had a sore throat lasting longer than 10 days? Are you immunocompromised?

Calluses and Corns

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Thickened, rough skin patches
  • Hard, raised bumps (corns), often painful with pressure
  • Yellowish, waxy appearance of affected skin
  • Tenderness when walking or wearing shoes

NOTE: Do you have diabetes, poor circulation, or peripheral neuropathy? Is there open wound, ulcer, or infection around the corn/callus? Are you experiencing severe pain or inability to walk?

Headache (Mild)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Dull, aching head pain
  • Pressure or tightness across forehead, temples, or back of head
  • Sensitivity to light or noise (sometimes)
  • Mild nausea or fatigue

NOTE: Is this the worst headache of your life or sudden onset (thunderclap)? Do you have vision changes, confusion, weakness, or difficulty speaking? Is your headache associated with fever, stiff neck, or rash? Is the headache persistent for more than 10 days despite treatment? Do you have a history of cancer, head trauma, or immunosuppression?

Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Pain, burning, or tingling in a specific area
  • Red rash appearing a few days after pain begins
  • Fluid-filled blisters that break open and crust over
  • Itching or sensitivity in the affected area
  • Fever or headache (sometimes)

NOTE: Do you have a rash on your face, near your eyes, or on the tip of your nose? Do you have vision changes or eye pain with the rash? Are you immunocompromised or on long-term steroids? Do you have widespread rash affecting multiple areas?

Acute Insomnia

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Difficulty falling asleep
  • Waking up during the night or too early
  • Daytime tiredness or fatigue
  • Irritability, anxiety, or low mood
  • Difficulty concentrating during the day

NOTE: Are you experiencing suicidal thoughts or severe depression? Is your insomnia associated with sudden onset psychosis or mania? Do you have symptoms of untreated sleep apnea (loud snoring, pauses in breathing)?

Fungal Nail Infections

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Thickened nails
  • Yellow, brown, or white nail discoloration
  • Brittle, crumbly, or ragged nails
  • Nails that change shape or lift from the nail bed
  • Unpleasant nail odor (sometimes)

NOTE: Is there pain, swelling, pus, or signs of bacterial infection around the nail? Do you have diabetes or peripheral vascular disease? Has your nail suddenly changed color or shape (suspicious for melanoma)?

Swimmer's Ear (Otitis Externa)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Itching inside the ear canal
  • Redness and swelling of the outer ear
  • Ear pain that worsens when pulling the ear
  • Watery or pus-like ear discharge
  • Muffled hearing (sometimes)

NOTE: Do you have fever, spreading redness, or swelling of the ear and face? Is there severe pain with movement of the ear? Is there hearing loss, dizziness, or discharge that is bloody/persistent? Are you immunocompromised or diabetic?

Head Lice (Pediculosis)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Itchy scalp, especially at night
  • Small red bumps or sores from scratching
  • Visible lice eggs (nits) attached to hair shafts
  • Tickling feeling of something moving in the hair

NOTE: Do you have infected sores or significant scalp swelling? Is there fever or spreading skin infection? Have lice persisted despite multiple appropriate treatments?

Nasal Congestion (Viral Rhinitis, Rhinosinusitis)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Sneezing and mild sore throat
  • Postnasal drip (mucus in the throat)
  • Facial pressure or mild headache
  • Loss of smell or taste (sometimes)

NOTE: Do you have persistent symptoms lasting more than 3 weeks? Are symptoms worsening after initial improvement? Do you have high fever, severe facial pain, or swelling around eyes? Is there vision change or double vision? Are you immunocompromised?

Dandruff (Seborrheic Dermatitis)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • White or yellow flakes on the scalp, hair, or shoulders
  • Itchy scalp
  • Dryness or greasy patches on the scalp
  • Mild redness or irritation around affected areas

NOTE: Do you have widespread rash beyond scalp and face? Is there pus, pain, or yellow crusting suggesting infection? Is hair loss sudden and severe?

Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Circular, red, scaly rash with raised edges
  • Itchy skin in affected areas
  • Clearer skin in the center of the ring
  • Mild burning or discomfort

NOTE: Is the rash spreading rapidly, painful, or oozing pus? Do you have a fever or feel generally unwell with the rash? Is the rash on your face near the eyes? Has the rash not improved after over-the-counter antifungal use for 2 weeks?

Jock Itch (Tinea Cruris)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Red, itchy rash in the groin, buttocks, or inner thighs
  • Rash with raised edges and central clearing
  • Burning or irritation, especially after sweating
  • Flaky or peeling skin in affected area

NOTE: Is there spreading redness, pain, or pus suggesting bacterial infection? Do you have associated fever or swollen lymph nodes? Is the rash persistent despite OTC antifungal use?

Warts (Verrucae)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Small, fleshy growths on skin
  • Rough texture with small black dots (clotted blood vessels)
  • May appear singly or in clusters
  • Painful when located on weight-bearing areas (plantar warts)

NOTE: Do you have warts on your face or genitals? Is the wart bleeding, painful, or rapidly changing in size/color? Are you immunocompromised (HIV, transplant, chemotherapy)?

Dry Eye (Xerophthalmia, Dry Eye Disease)

You may experience some of the symptoms below:

  • Stinging, burning, or scratchy feeling in the eyes
  • Stringy mucus in or around the eyes
  • Eye redness
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Blurry vision or eye fatigue

NOTE: Do you have sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or sensitivity to light? Is there significant eye redness, swelling, or pus? Do you wear contact lenses and have pain or vision changes? Do you have a history of autoimmune disease (e.g., Sjögren's, lupus)?