Minor oral ailments

Mouth ulcers are common and should resolve within a couple of weeks, but customers can use products from the pharmacy to support the healing process, reduce associated pain and help prevent infection.

Products for mouth ulcers include:

• Antimicrobial mouthwashes
• Pastilles - e.g. containing benzalkonium, aminoacridine hydrochloride
• Painkilling mouthwashes/gels or sprays - e.g. containing lidocaine (a local anaesthetic)

For more information on mouth ulcers, refer to the P3B Common ailments module

Cold sores are caused by a virus, and there are antiviral creams and patches available to relieve the pain and irritation. They are contagious, and customers with cold sores should be reminded not to kiss babies as it can lead to neonatal herpes which is dangerous for newborn babies.