Top 30 Conditions Your GP Wishes You Never Came In For (and where to go instead)

This isn’t about stopping you from seeking care; it’s about seeing the right professional at the right time.

Always contact your GP, NHS 111, or urgent care if you have:

• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or sudden weakness/numbness
• Severe, persistent pain, bleeding, or swelling
• High fever that doesn’t settle with paracetamol or ibuprofen
• A rash that spreads quickly or doesn’t fade when pressed.
• Confusion, drowsiness, or a child who seems unusually sleepy or floppy
• Any symptoms lasting more than two to three weeks despite self-care

When in doubt, start with your pharmacist or NHS 111 , they can triage you safely and escalate when needed.

1. A cold you’ve had for a couple of days

Unless you have health issues or symptoms worsen, rest, fluids, and paracetamol are enough. Most colds clear in a week and can be managed with self-care at home or with products available at the pharmacy. See our healthwords article on guided self-care for the common cold for more in-depth information, including Common cold symptoms, causes, and treatments. Learn how to recognise a cold early and treat it effectively to ease symptoms and recover faster with Healthwords.

2. Mild hay fever flare-ups

Seasonal sneezing and itchy eyes? The pharmacy has you covered with antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops. If nothing works or symptoms persist throughout the year, see your GP. Find out the causes, symptoms, and available treatment options for hay fever. Manage your hay fever today by reading more about hay fever on Healthwords.

3. A single pimple or minor breakout

A spot before an event isn’t a reason to see your GP. Gentle cleansers, spot creams, and patience are usually all that’s needed. Persistent acne may require a review, but one-off blemishes aren’t urgent. Acne is non-contagious. It can be caused by hormonal changes, as well as clogged pores or hair follicles. Find out everything you need to know about acne, including causes, treatments and when to see your doctor in our Healthwords article.

4. A sick note for just a day or two off work

You can self-certify for up to seven days. Only book in if your employer specifically requests a note.

5. Small cuts, grazes, or blisters

Most minor injuries can be treated with simple cleaning and protection. Pharmacists can advise on dressings and antiseptics. Only book a GP if there are signs of infection or worsening pain. Learn how to clean, dress, and care for minor cuts with Healthwords' easy-to-follow guide on when to treat superficial cuts at home with simple first aid techniques.

6. Toenail fungus or athlete’s foot

Unpleasant but easy to treat with antifungal creams from your pharmacy. See your GP only if it’s spreading or causing severe pain. For more information, read our article on Fungal Nail Infection: Causes & Treatments. Understand the causes and available treatments for fungal nail infections. Restore healthy nails with Healthwords.

7. A headache that’s come and gone

If it eases with rest, hydration, or paracetamol, there’s no need for a GP. Severe, recurring, or unusual headaches should be checked. Read our Healthwords article on Headaches to understand the causes, symptoms, and available treatments for headaches.

8. Asking for antibiotics “just in case”

Antibiotics don’t work on viruses, and overuse fuels the development of resistance. If your GP says no, it’s not stinginess; it’s good medicine. Pharmacists can advise on managing viral symptoms safely and effectively.

9. Mild food poisoning that’s easing up

Most cases of food poisoning resolve within 24 to 48 hours. Stay hydrated, rest, and avoid rich foods. See a GP if you can’t keep fluids down, have blood in your stool, or symptoms persist. Read our Healthwords article for more information on how to fight back against stomach troubles, including understanding the causes, symptoms, and effective treatment options for gastroenteritis.

10. Bruises that look scary but don’t hurt

Dramatic bruises are rarely dangerous. If they’re painless and fading normally, they don’t need medical review. Frequent unexplained bruising should be checked. A bruise (also known by its medical name ecchymosis happens when there is some bleeding under the skin. Most of the time, a bruise is nothing to be worried about. They tend to occur when there is some damage to blood vessels in an area of tissue, and this normally occurs by accidents like bumping your arm or leg, or getting hit whilst playing sports. For more information on the causes, treatment, and prevention of bruises, read our article on this topic here.

11. Dry lips, flaky skin, or mild dandruff

Usually, due to weather or stress, hydration, moisturiser, and pharmacy creams do the trick. Persistent or painful rashes may need medical review. For further information, please read our separate Healthwords articles on chapped lips, dry skin, and dandruff.

12. Symptoms you Googled and convinced yourself you’re experiencing

Curiosity is fine, but avoid bringing a full Google diagnosis. Ask clear questions for an open conversation; your GP will appreciate it.

13. Cosmetic complaints that aren’t medical

Skin tags, small moles, or scars? These are cosmetic, not medical, so NHS GPs can’t usually treat them. For removal or improvement, private dermatology or aesthetics clinics are your best bet.

14. Booking “just for a chat” when nothing’s wrong

Your GP cares, but they can’t be the default for reassurance or loneliness. For emotional support, consider contacting the NHS Talking Therapies, Mind, or other mental health services. At Healthwords, we have also published an article on this topic, which can be accessed here.

15. Sore Throat (Pharmacy First)

Most sore throats are viral and settle within a week. Pharmacists can assess and prescribe antibiotics if needed.

For self-care, you can try: Rest, fluids, lozenges, throat sprays, paracetamol, and anti-inflammatory treatments from the pharmacy can help in most cases. It is also advisable to book an appointment with a local pharmacist for a pharmacy first consultation to see if antibiotics may be required for your symptoms.

See a GP if: Symptoms last more than 10 days, cause swallowing/breathing issues, or swelling on one side of the neck, or if your pharmacist escalates your symptoms to them via an urgent referral.

Read our healthcare article on when to self-treat a sore throat (or not) here.

16. Earache or Ear Infection (Pharmacy First)

Often viral or wax-related. Pharmacists can examine and treat ear infections directly, via local private consultations or local NHS protocols for adults over 18, or under the pharmacy first NHS scheme for children aged 1 to 17 years inclusive.

Self-care tips: Use warm compresses, pain relief, and avoid poking your ears with cotton ear buds.

See a GP if: Persistent discharge, loss of hearing, swelling, or a feverish child.

For more information about ear infection symptoms in children, see our article on acute otitis media. For more detailed information, explore the common causes of earache (ear pain) and discover effective treatments to alleviate discomfort in our separate article on earache.

17. Sinusitis (Pharmacy First)

Blocked nose, facial pain, pressure? Most cases resolve within one to two weeks.

If your symptoms have lasted less than 10 days: Try self-care measures such as a steam inhalation, a saline spray, and rest, or see a pharmacist for a safe decongestant to help relieve pain, inflammation, and congestion.
If your symptoms have lasted fr more than 10 days: You may be suitable to book a specific appointment for a pharmacy first sinusitis consultation with the pharmacist if:

• There is green/ yellow purulent discharge along with sinus pain that radiates to the teeth or jaw.
• You have tried over-the-counter treatments or self-care for 10 days, and your symptoms are not resolving.

The pharmacist may also recommend a prescription-strength steroid nasal spray or, if appropriate, a short course of antibiotics if your symptoms have persisted for more than 10 days and are not improving.

See a GP if: Your symptoms are severe and you are not suitable for a pharmacy first consultation, your symptoms have lasted more than 3 weeks, swelling/eye pain develops, or if symptoms have not resolved after antibiotics.

Learn more about sinusitis, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options available based on recommendations from Healthwords healthcare professionals in our separate article here.

18. Impetigo (Pharmacy First)

Impetigo starts as red sores or blisters on the skin, often around the nose and mouth. These can burst and spread, leading to open sores and a crusty honey-yellow or brown appearance.

How to Avoid Worsening the Condition: Avoid touching or scratching the sores to prevent further irritation and spread of the infection. Keep the affected area clean and covered if possible to minimise contact.

Treatment Options: Impetigo is easily treated with antibiotic creams for localised lesions at pharmacies following a pharmacy-first consultation suitable for patients aged 1 year or above. For more extensive infections, oral antibiotics may be required.

Consult a GP: If symptoms are spreading rapidly, if the infection recurs frequently, or if you develop a fever. Prompt medical attention can help manage the infection effectively.

Explore the causes, symptoms, and treatments of impetigo with Healthwords’ expert advice for a faster recovery and healthier skin. Learn more in our article here.

19. Shingles (Pharmacy First)

A painful rash on one side of the body or face, which can appear in clusters that can follow a nerve.  The rash is often very itchy and can feel like a burning sensation or a needle pricking the skin in some cases.  Pharmacists can start you on a course of antiviral medication if caught early via a pharmacy first consultation if you are over 18.

See a GP /urgent care: If a rash is near your eyes or you’re immunocompromised.

We have published a separate article on shingles in Healthwords, discussing the symptoms and treatments available to help manage the rash, pain and discomfort here,

20. Infected Insect Bites (Pharmacy First)

Red, itchy, or swollen bites that may have pus or crusting can be treated with creams or oral antibiotics obtained from a pharmacy after a consultation.

Try using antihistamines, a cold compress, or hydrocortisone cream or ointment for non-infected insect bites (consult your pharmacist for further assessment).

See a GP if: Rapidly spreading redness, pus, or fever, or if the symptoms continue past a five-day treatment course from the pharmacist.

21. Uncomplicated UTI in Women (Pharmacy First)

Pharmacists can now diagnose and treat mild UTIs in women aged 16–64 through an NHS pharmacy first consultation.

Self-help: Try increasing water intake to dilute the urine and flush out bacteria, aiming for around a pint of water every 2 hours. Drinking warmer or lukewarm water may help you drink more in a shorter time if cold tap water is not appealing to you. Avoiding caffeine and sugary drinks and using a cranberry extract product may help reduce the acidic burning sensation of urine.

See a GP if: Mid-back pain, or pain under the ribs (suggesting infection has spread to the kidneys), fever, chills, shakes, blood in urine, or recurrence.

UTIs can be painful and persistent. Learn more about their symptoms, causes, and expert-recommended treatments in our Healthwords article UTI: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatments

22. Mouth Ulcers

Mouth ulcers are common, usually harmless sores that form when the mouth lining is damaged. They appear as small red‑white lesions (often under 1cm) inside the cheeks, gums, or tongue, and can often be painful. They typically heal within two weeks, though larger ulcers can also occur.

Self-help: Anaesthetic gels to numb the pain or rinses for pain relief can be obtained from the pharmacy for short-term relief whilst the body recovers.

See a GP /Dentist: If symptoms are lasting more than 3 weeks or are recurrent.

Discover the causes, treatments, and prevention of mouth ulcers with Healthwords. Read our article on mouth ulcers to find relief and support better oral health.

23. Mild Constipation

Constipation is characterised by infrequent, hard, or difficult bowel movements. Common symptoms include straining, abdominal discomfort, bloating, and the sensation of incomplete emptying.

Self-help and pharmacy treatments: Increasing fibre intake, staying hydrated, and maintaining regular physical activity can help manage symptoms. Pharmacies offer laxatives for short-term relief, including bulk-forming agents, soluble fibre supplements (such as ispaghula husk or psyllium husk), osmotic laxatives (such as lactulose solution or macrogol sachets), stimulant laxatives (such as senna or bisacodyl) and stool softeners.

When to See a Doctor: If constipation is persistent, severe or very painful, or accompanied by blood in the stool, vomiting, or linked to unexplained weight loss, or if over-the-counter treatments are ineffective.

Learn about its causes, symptoms, and effective remedies to relieve discomfort and promote regular bowel movements from our Healthwords article on laxatives for constipation relief.

24. Indigestion or Mild Heartburn

Indigestion, or heartburn (dyspepsia), is a burning sensation in the chest or throat caused by stomach acid entering the oesophagus during digestion. It can be accompanied by bloating, belching, nausea, and a feeling of fullness after meals.

Self-help and treatments at the pharmacy: Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding spicy foods and eating smaller meals, can also help. Antacids or short courses of PPIs (such as Omeprazole or esomeprazole) are available for short-term relief and gastric protection.

See a GP if: symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, or are accompanied by serious signs such as unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, or vomiting, as these may indicate a more serious condition. Also see a GP if you have black stools, which may need investigation to rule out a gastrointestinal bleed.

Find relief & improve your digestive health with Healthwords, by learning more about the causes, symptoms, and available treatments for indigestion in our article on Indigestion: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment.

25. Threadworms

An itchy bottom, especially at night, and the presence of white, stringy worms in stool are common signs of threadworms. These parasites mainly affect children, causing intense itching around the anus and vagina, which can disrupt sleep.

Pharmacy Treatments: Over-the-counter antiparasitic medications, such as mebendazole or pyrantel pamoate, can effectively treat threadworms. Follow dosage instructions, and remember that household members may also need treatment to prevent re-infestation.

See a GP if: Itching persists, there are signs of infection, weight loss, or over-the-counter treatments fail to work. Getting medical advice is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Please find out more by reading our Healthwords article on threadworms.

26. Nappy Rash

Symptoms - Bright red rash around the nappy area, which can be inflamed, hot, and sore skin, including blistering in severe cases

Treatment options at the Pharmacy:

• Barrier Creams: Zinc oxide or petroleum jelly to protect the skin.
• Antifungal Creams: For suspected fungal infections like candida.
• Gentle Cleansers: Mild, fragrance-free options for diaper changes.
• Moisturisers: Soothe irritation and maintain skin hydration.

When to See the Doctor:

• If the rash worsens or doesn’t improve with treatment.
• The rash is blistering, spreading, or if the baby is unwell.
• Signs of infection, such as increased redness or pus.
• Fever or excessive irritability in the child.
• Rash accompanied by symptoms of other skin conditions.

Read more on Healthwords about symptoms and treatments in our article on nappy rash.

27. Minor Burns and Scalds

Cool under running water for 20 minutes. We have a detailed article written by our medical team here on Healthwords on the topic of Burn Types, First Aid, and What to Expect During Recovery.

Pharmacy: Dressings and aftercare advice. In some cases, it may also be advisable to visit a local NHS Minor Injury Unit.

See Emergency care: If the affected area is large, deep, or on the face/hands/genitals.

28. Cold Sores

Cold sores are small, contagious blisters on the face caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The symptoms are usually self-limiting and will often resolve within 1-2 weeks.

Symptoms of Cold Sores include:

• Tingling or burning sensation around the lips.
• Development of painful blisters.
• Highly contagious, especially risky for infants and those with compromised immune systems.

Treatment Options at the Pharmacy:

• Antiviral Creams: Such as Zovirax (5% aciclovir) for early application to prevent worsening and speed healing.
• Cold Sore Patches: Products like Compeed for cosmetic coverage and moisture.
• Pain Relief: Soothing gels or medications like paracetamol and ibuprofen for discomfort.

See a GP if:

• The sores are spreading or affecting the eyes.
• For severe symptoms or frequent recurrences.
• If cold sores affect infants or immunocompromised individuals.
• If symptoms persist beyond a week despite treatment.

Find out how to manage & treat this infection with Healthwords articles on Herpes Simplex Virus and Cold Sores (Oral Herpes)

29. Period Pain and Mild PMS

Period pain is common and often presents as abdominal cramps that may radiate to the back and thighs, along with symptoms like dizziness, bloating, nausea, and diarrhoea. Women may also typically experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS) for about two weeks, starting around day 15 of a 28-day cycle, coinciding with ovulation. Symptoms generally ease once menstruation begins. Most cramps respond to OTC painkillers and heat.

See a GP if: the pain is severe or cycles change dramatically.
Find out how to manage & treat these symptoms with Healthwords articles on Period Pain and Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

30. Teething and Minor Childhood Illnesses

Teething typically begins around 6 months, though some babies may start as early as 3 months. Common signs include teething fever, mild coughs, and rashes. It’s essential to distinguish these symptoms from other causes. Recognising the signs of teething can help you better support your baby during this process.

See the Pharmacy for: Advice on safe pain relief and symptom care.

See urgent care: If the child has breathing difficulty, a rash that doesn’t fade, or signs of dehydration.
Find out how to manage & treat these symptoms with Healthwords articles on teething.

Your GP is there for complex, persistent, or serious problems, not minor, self-limiting issues.

**Pharmacists are highly trained clinicians. **Under NHS Pharmacy First, they can assess, treat, and prescribe for certain common conditions, and refer you to a GP or urgent care if needed.

By visiting them first for minor ailments, you:

• Get faster treatment (often same day)
• Free up GP appointments for those who genuinely need them
• Help the NHS use resources wisely.

Right care. Right place. Right time.

That’s how we keep healthcare working for everyone.