The NHS are cracking down on these conditions
The UK public have been warned that there are now almost 40 medical conditions that won't be treated by the NHS in a shock revelation.
The NHS has started to cut back on spending for things like common illnesses that can be treated with over-the-counter medicine.
Now, if you have a minor sickness, you'll have to handle it yourself instead of going to the doctor.
In the past, you could just visit the doctor and get a prescription for your minor issues, but now you'll need to buy the medicine yourself.
Since some of these illnesses happen a lot, it's going to be a hassle to keep buying the medicine over and over again.
But for the NHS, it saves vital resources which could be better used elsewhere.
Here's what you can't get help from the doctor's office anymore.
It's in a bid to save the NHS money better spent elsewhere. (SimpleImages / Getty Images)
Coughs, colds and nasal congestion
Say goodbye to asking for cough syrups or nasal sprays as you won't be able to have it treated at the doctors.
As many of these products can be purchased away from the pharmacy, there's really no need to bother the practice with it.
Conjunctivitis
A really bad eye problem can make gross stuff come out of your eye, and it might even stick your eye shut while you're sleeping. If you get conjunctivitis, you'll need to go to the store to buy medicine for it yourself.
This change is happening so the NHS can limit prescriptions for some medications, which could help save them a lot of money every year.
Mild to moderate hayfever and seasonal rhinitis
If you have hay fever and are looking for something to help with your allergies, you should start looking for antihistamines at the supermarket.
According to Express, the suggestions got a lot of support when they were first talked about, so you can say goodbye to needing a prescription.
Oral thrush
Common conditions like Oral Thrush will no longer be treated by the GP. (Tunatura / Getty Images)
Yes, even oral thrush isn't going to get you a prescription.
This condition causes white spots to appear on the tongue and throat, and it often happens in babies.
The reason for this?
According to River View Surgery as reported by the Mirror: “GPs issued 1.1 billion prescription items at a cost of £9.2 billion in 2015/16. The vast majority were appropriate, but many were for medicines, products or treatments that do not require a prescription and can be purchased over the counter from pharmacies, supermarkets, petrol stations, corner shops or other retailers in some cases at a much lower cost than the price paid by the NHS.”
Adult constipation
Many illnesses can be treated at home. (Antonio Hugo Photo / Getty Images)
This sickness might make you spend a lot of time in the bathroom, so it's a good idea to have some over-the-counter medicine handy that you can get without a prescription to help you feel better.
According to NHS England, they spent £22.8 million on treating constipation, so we should try to avoid adding to those expenses.
Athlete's foot
Even though it's unsightly and uncomfortable, the NHS spent £3 million on athlete's foot and other fungal infections every year when it could be taken care of at home.
Many people spend £4.5 million on dandruff shampoos, which is a problem that a lot of folks deal with. Luckily, you can find dandruff shampoos in most shopping centers.
Simon Stevens, the chief executive of NHS England, mentioned when the news came out: “The NHS is one of the most efficient health services in the world, but we want to make sure taxpayers' money is used wisely. The NHS shouldn't be paying for treatments that aren't very valuable, and it makes sense to cut back on prescriptions for medicines that patients can buy for much less than what the NHS pays.”
When these changes were first made two years ago, they also affected other conditions, according to River View Surgery. These included things like sore throats, occasional cold sores, cradle cap, hemorrhoids, infant colic, mild cystitis, mild skin irritations, dry or sore eyes, earwax buildup, excessive sweating, head lice, indigestion, heartburn, occasional migraines, insect bites, mild acne, dry skin, sunburn, sun protection, minor burns, pain and fever, mouth ulcers, diaper rash, preventing tooth decay, ringworm or athlete's foot, teething or mild tooth pain, threadworms, travel sickness, and warts.
Featured Image Credit: Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images
