What’s Inside:
- As of July 1, pharmacists in Ontario can treat nine new minor ailments
- Dry eye is a new minor ailment that’s more common that you think
- Since no appointment is needed, care is more accessible
You may already know that Ontario pharmacists can assess and prescribe for a wide range of minor ailments.
Which means you won’t always need to see your doctor.
At The Medicine Shoppe, there are three minor ailments we frequently treat: contact dermatitis (think poison ivy), tick bites, and dry eye.
Contact Dermatitis
Wandering into a patch of poison ivy can happen to the best of us. “Contact dermatitis” is what we call the uncomfortable rash that comes with it.
When to pay us a visit:
When you come back from a hike with a red, itchy, or irritated rash – you may have come in contact with a known or suspected trigger
Our pharmacists can assess the rash and prescribe treatment directly.
Tick Bites
Tick bites are a growing seasonal concern. These little critters only need temperatures above +4°C to come out and wreak havoc, and warmer winters mean a longer active season and more geographic spread each year.
When to pay us a visit:
- If you know been bitten by a tick, come see us within 24-72 hours
- When a bite results in a bull’s-eye rash – but its absence doesn’t rule one out
Our pharmacist will assess your situation, and if appropriate can prescribe prophylactic antibiotics to help prevent Lyme disease
Dry Eye
Dry eye is a newly added minor ailment as of July 1, 2026, and one many patients don’t realize is a diagnosable condition.
When to pay us a visit:
- If your eyes water constantly, it’s often a sign your tear ducts are overcompensating for a breakdown in your eye’s natural moisture layer
- Your work requires a lot of screen time – especially if you wear contact lenses
- You take certain medications that may be a contributing factor
What Can I Expect When I Visit?
- Ask to speak to the pharmacist directly about your symptoms — no appointment or referral needed
- Our pharmacist will assess whether your condition falls within the minor ailments scope
- If it does, they can prescribe treatment on the spot
What Should You Know Before You Come In?
- For a tick bite, note how long it was attached, if possible
- For a rash, think about what you may have come into contact with beforehand
- For dry eye, note if your eyes water constantly, your screen time habits, and any medications you’re taking
Does Insurance Cover It? Is There a Cost?
Minor ailment assessments are billed directly to OHIP. There’s no cost to you for the assessment itself.
Why See a Pharmacist for This?
Bryan and Alysse can assess all three of these conditions directly, without you needing a same-day doctor’s appointment.
For tick bites specifically, timely assessment matters.
The risk of Lyme disease increases the longer a tick remains attached, and Bryan and Alysse are trained to evaluate that risk and prescribe prophylactic antibiotics when appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a doctor’s referral for any of these?
No. You can speak with the pharmacist directly for contact dermatitis, tick bites, or dry eye — no referral or prior appointment required.
2. What if I’m not sure how long a tick was attached?
Come in and speak with the pharmacist regardless. Assessing attachment duration and risk is part of the evaluation.
3. Can the pharmacist prescribe medication for these conditions?
Yes, for all three — contact dermatitis, tick bites, and dry eye are all part of the pharmacist’s prescribing scope in Ontario.
If you’re dealing with a stubborn rash, a recent tick bite, or eyes that won’t stop watering, you don’t need to wait for a doctor’s appointment.
Bryan and Alysse are available to assess and treat all three — just ask to speak with the pharmacist next time you’re in.