Everyday health concerns

Blackheads, whiteheads and small inflamed pimples caused by blocked or irritated pores. Deeper nodules or significant scarring may need a different assessment.

Medical name: Acne (mild)

Thickened areas of skin caused by repeated pressure or rubbing, commonly on the feet or toes.

Medical name: Calluses and corns

Flaking and irritation of the scalp, sometimes with redness or greasy scale. Seborrheic dermatitis can also affect nearby facial areas.

Medical name: Dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis)

Inflamed or irritated skin that may be itchy, dry, red or scaly. Triggers can include eczema, allergies or contact with an irritating substance.

Medical name: Dermatitis (atopic/eczema, allergic or contact)

Irritated skin in an area covered by a diaper. Moisture, friction and sometimes infection can contribute.

Medical name: Diaper dermatitis

A contagious superficial skin infection that can cause red sores, blisters or honey-coloured crusts.

Medical name: Impetigo

A fungal rash affecting the groin folds and inner thighs, often causing itching and a scaly border.

Medical name: Jock itch (tinea cruris)

A fungal skin infection that often causes an itchy, scaly, ring-shaped rash. Despite the name, it is not caused by a worm.

Medical name: Ringworm (tinea corporis)

Small rough skin growths caused by human papillomavirus. Ontario minor-ailment scope excludes warts on the face or genitals.

Medical name: Warts (excluding face and genitals)

Allergy-related irritation of the nose, often causing sneezing, itching, runny nose or congestion.

Medical name: Allergic rhinitis

Inflammation of the thin surface covering the eye. It may be caused by infection, allergy or irritation and can cause redness, itching or discharge.

Medical name: Conjunctivitis

A dry, gritty, burning or watery eye sensation caused when the eye surface does not stay adequately lubricated.

Medical name: Dry eye (xerophthalmia)

Inflammation of the nose and sinus passages, commonly from a viral respiratory infection, causing congestion, runny nose or facial pressure.

Medical name: Viral rhinitis / rhinosinusitis (nasal congestion)

Small painful ulcers that occur inside the mouth. They are different from cold sores that usually occur on or around the lips.

Medical name: Canker sores (aphthous ulcers)

Recurring small blisters or sores, usually on or around the lips, caused by herpes simplex virus.

Medical name: Cold sores (herpes labialis)

A yeast infection in the mouth that can cause creamy white patches, redness, soreness or altered taste.

Medical name: Oral thrush (candidal stomatitis)

Recurring reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus, often causing heartburn, burning or an acidic taste.

Medical name: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Swollen veins around the anus or lower rectum that can cause itching, discomfort, swelling or small amounts of bright-red bleeding.

Medical name: Hemorrhoids

Small intestinal worms that commonly cause itching around the anus, especially at night, and may affect more than one household member.

Medical name: Pinworms and threadworms

A lower urinary tract infection that can cause burning with urination, urgency or frequent urination. Fever or flank pain may suggest a different problem.

Medical name: Uncomplicated urinary tract infection

A yeast infection that can cause vulvar or vaginal itching, irritation, redness and a characteristic discharge.

Medical name: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (yeast infection)

Painful menstrual cramps, usually occurring shortly before or during a menstrual period.

Medical name: Dysmenorrhea

Nausea, with or without vomiting, during pregnancy. Inability to keep fluids down or signs of dehydration require prompt medical attention.

Medical name: Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy

A usually mild-to-moderate pressure or tightness-type headache, often felt on both sides of the head. Sudden or severe new headaches need urgent assessment.

Medical name: Mild headache (tension-type)

Injuries involving muscles, tendons or ligaments, often after a twist, stretch, impact or overuse.

Medical name: Musculoskeletal sprains and strains

Small insects that live on the scalp and hair and can cause itching. Eggs may be attached close to the scalp.

Medical name: Head lice (pediculosis)

Localized skin reactions after an insect bite or raised itchy welts known as hives. Breathing difficulty or facial/throat swelling needs urgent care.

Medical name: Insect bites and urticaria (hives)

An assessment after a tick bite to determine the appropriate next step and whether further evaluation for Lyme disease risk is needed.

Medical name: Tick bites — Lyme disease prevention assessment