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:
Participating pharmacists receive clinical guidance and training to provide advice and services safely.
The trial will close on February 2025, or when the maximum number of trial-supported consultations has been reached. The findings from the trial will help to inform the services pharmacists can provide in future.
You may be eligible to have your skin condition treated by a participating pharmacy, if you have:
Your pharmacist will assess your skin condition and ask you questions during your consultation.
These questions help the pharmacist to:
You may be referred to your doctor (GP) or the Emergency Department if you require additional care.
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.
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.
Impetigo (or school sores) 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.
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.
Read more information about psoriasis on healthdirect.
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.
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.
If you speak a language other than English, you can call the Translating and Interpreting Service National (TIS National) on 131 450
