Since 2026, the Common Conditions Service lets a trained Irish pharmacist assess and treat eight everyday conditions without a GP. Here's each one — what it is, the everyday signs, and how the pharmacy route works — so you know whether a trip to the chemist will sort it.
This is the companion to our Pharmacy First overview, which explains how the service works, what it costs, and how to find a participating pharmacy. Below, each of the eight conditions in turn. For any of them, the pharmacist assesses you first and refers you on if it's outside the scheme or shows warning signs.
Sneezing, itchy or runny nose, and itchy eyes triggered by pollen or other allergens, often seasonal. A pharmacist can assess your symptoms and supply or prescribe appropriate antihistamines, nasal sprays or eye treatments, and advise on avoiding triggers — handy when over-the-counter options alone aren't cutting it.
Small, painful blisters around the lips caused by the herpes simplex virus, often recurring at the same spot. Caught early (the tingling stage), antiviral creams work best — a pharmacist can advise and provide treatment, and flag when a cold sore needs a doctor (for example if it's spreading or you're immunocompromised).
A red, gritty, watering or sticky eye, often both eyes, very common in children. Most cases are mild and self-limiting; where treatment is needed, a pharmacist can supply or prescribe it and tell you the warning signs (pain, light sensitivity, vision changes) that mean you should see a doctor instead.
A contagious bacterial skin infection — golden, crusty sores, common around the nose and mouth and in children. A pharmacist can assess it and supply or prescribe an antibiotic cream for localised cases, plus advice on stopping it spreading. Widespread or stubborn impetigo is referred on.
A fungal infection in the mouth — white patches, soreness, sometimes after antibiotics, inhaler use, or in babies and older adults. The pharmacist can treat straightforward cases with antifungal gels or drops and check for anything that needs further investigation.
A painful, blistering rash usually in a band on one side of the body, caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus. Antiviral treatment works best started early, so quick access matters — a pharmacist can assess and treat eligible cases and knows when to escalate (for example shingles near the eye, or in someone immunocompromised, needs urgent medical care).
A common fungal infection causing itching, irritation and discharge. A pharmacist can assess and supply or prescribe antifungal treatment, and advise when recurring or atypical symptoms should be checked by a doctor.
A bladder infection — burning when you pee, going more often, lower-tummy discomfort. For an uncomplicated case the pharmacist can assess and treat you directly. There's a full guide with the warning signs that mean you need a doctor instead on our dedicated page: UTI treatment in Ireland →
Pharmacy First — how the service works, costs, and finding a pharmacy →
UTI / cystitis treatment in Ireland →