On this page
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About the NSW Pharmacy Trial
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Who is eligible?
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Skin conditions
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Potential cost of treatments
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Participating pharmacies
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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
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Information in your language
About the NSW Pharmacy Trial
The NSW Pharmacy Trial for skin conditions allows pharmacists to help manage common skin conditions, including with some medications usually only available with a prescription (sometimes called a ‘script’) from a doctor.
From
19 July 2024,
participating pharmacists can help eligible people manage common skin conditions including:
- mild to moderate eczema (atopic dermatitis)
- shingles (herpes zoster)
- school sores (impetigo)
- mild plaque psoriasis.
Participating pharmacists receive clinical guidance and training to provide advice and services safely.
The trial will close in
August 2025. The findings from the trial will help to inform the services pharmacists can provide in future.
Who is eligible?
You may be eligible to have your skin condition treated by a participating pharmacy, if you have:
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mild to moderate eczema (atopic dermatitis) and are aged between 6 months and 65 years old (inclusive)
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shingles (herpes zoster) and are 18 years and older
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school sores (impetigo) and are 12 months and older
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mild plaque psoriasis and are 18 years and older.
Your pharmacist will assess your skin condition and ask you questions during your consultation.
These questions help the pharmacist to:
- check that you are eligible for treatment
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assess your skin condition
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provide you advice on managing your skin condition.
You may be referred to your doctor (GP) or the Emergency Department if you require additional care.
Skin conditions
What is mild to moderate eczema (atopic dermatitis)?
Eczema causes your skin to become dry, itchy and easily irritated. It affects children and adults.
Eczema is considered ‘mild to moderate’ if it covers a relatively small area of your skin. If you are unsure, a participating pharmacist can advise if your eczema is considered to be mild to moderate.
Read more information about
eczema on healthdirect.
What is shingles (herpes zoster)?
Shingles is a sore rash with blisters. It is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus in the body.
It mainly affects adults.
Antiviral medicine can reduce severe symptoms. Antivirals work best if you take them as soon as symptoms appear. Speak to your pharmacist or doctor as soon as you have symptoms.
For more information, read the
shingles fact sheet.
What are school sores (impetigo)?
School sores (impetigo) is a common, very contagious skin infection.
It mainly affects children and causes crusted sores or blisters on the skin.
For more information, read the
impetigo fact sheet.
What is mild plaque psoriasis?
Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. It usually causes red, thick, sharply edged lesions (sores). These lesions can occur anywhere on the body but usually affect the elbows, knees, lower back and scalp (the skin on the head).
Plaque psoriasis is considered mild when it affects only a very small area of your skin. If you are unsure, a participating pharmacist can advise if your plaque psoriasis is considered to be mild. You need to have a previous diagnosis of psoriasis from your doctor to be able to access treatment from a pharmacist.
Read more information about
psoriasis on healthdirect.
Potential cost of treatments
Patients accessing treatment in NSW do not need to pay for a consultation with the pharmacist during this clinical trial. In the ACT, you may need to pay for a consultation.
You will need to pay for any medicine. Please check with your pharmacist about the cost of medicine.
Participating pharmacies
This
list and map of participating pharmacies will help you find the nearest one. Call ahead before you leave home.
Not all pharmacists or pharmacies will be providing advice or treatment for common skin conditions.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Get answers to frequently asked questions about the NSW Pharmacy Trial on skin conditions.
