Free NHS prescriptions end for 36 conditions which will be 'no longer treated'

Conditions affected by NHS prescription crackdown include a string of common maladies, from diarrhoea and a sore throat to threadworms and cold sores.

NHS free prescription recipients have been reminded as many as 36 conditions are no longer treated by the health service. Conditions affected by NHS prescription crackdown include a string of common maladies, from diarrhoea and a sore throat to threadworms and cold sores.

The crackdown began six years ago, with the NHS phasing out free prescriptions and help for a string of reasons. But reminders are circulating as we head deeper into the autumn months, in the hope it can lessen the load for NHS health workers and healthcare teams.

Health bosses say: "The NHS could save around £190 million a year by cutting such prescriptions for minor, short-term conditions, many of which will cure themselves or cause no long term effect on health." It comes as Rachel Reeves is facing mounting pressure to scrap free prescriptions for those aged 60 to 65.

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The move could potentially raise over £6billion for the Treasury over a decade, according to a previous Labour Party government report. The proposal comes from the Intergenerational Foundation charity, which argues that aligning free prescriptions with the state pension age of 66 would help address a £22billion deficit in the economy.

Acute sore throat

Infrequent cold sores of the lip

Conjunctivitis

Coughs and colds and nasal congestion

Cradle Cap (seborrhoeic dermatitis – infants)

Haemorrhoids

Infant colic

Mild cystitis

Mild irritant dermatitis

Dandruff

Diarrhoea (adults)

Dry eyes/sore (tired) eyes

Earwax

Excessive sweating (Hyperhidrosis)

Head lice

Indigestion and heartburn

Infrequent constipation

Infrequent migraine

Insect bites and sting

Mild acne

Mild dry skin

Sunburn

Sun protection

Mild to moderate hay fever/seasonal rhinitis

Minor burns and scalds

Minor conditions associated with pain, discomfort and/fever. (e.g. aches and sprains, headache, period pain, back pain)

Mouth ulcers

Nappy rash

Oral thrush

Prevention of dental caries

Ringworm/athlete’s foot

Teething/mild toothache

Threadworms

Travel sickness

Warts and verruca