Minor Ailments / Acne
Mild acne? A pharmacist can assess and prescribe, no doctor's visit needed
Since January 2023, Ontario pharmacists can assess mild acne and prescribe treatment directly, covered by OHIP for Ontario residents with a valid health card.
Book an acne assessment
Tell us what you're dealing with and a pharmacist will call you back to book your assessment. OHIP-covered for Ontario residents with a valid health card.
Request an assessmentScope of the program
What counts as mild acne
Mild acne means mostly whiteheads, blackheads, and a small number of inflamed pimples, usually on the face, and no scarring or deep, painful lumps. This is the level of acne a pharmacist is authorized to assess under Ontario's Minor Ailments program.
If your skin has widespread inflamed breakouts, painful cysts or nodules, or scarring, that's outside what a pharmacist can treat under this program, and you'll be referred to a physician.
Under the Minor Ailments program
What the pharmacist can do
- Assess your skin and ask about your history, including how long you've had breakouts and what you've already tried.
- Prescribe eligible topical treatments for mild acne, such as topical retinoids or antibacterial agents, where clinically appropriate.
- Recommend a skincare routine to support the prescribed treatment.
- Refer you to a physician if your acne is more than mild, isn't improving, or needs a treatment outside a pharmacist's prescribing authority.
A pharmacist assessment doesn't replace a dermatologist for acne that's moderate, severe, or not responding to treatment.
How a visit works
- Ask at the counter.No appointment is required for most visits; ask if a private consultation room is available if you'd rather not talk at the front counter.
- Bring your Ontario health card.The assessment is covered by OHIP for Ontario residents with a valid card. Without one, ask us about the cost of a private consultation.
- Answer a few questions.The pharmacist will ask about your skin, your medical history, and any medications or products you’re already using.
- Get a treatment plan.If your acne qualifies as mild, the pharmacist can write and fill a prescription on the spot. If it doesn't qualify, they'll tell you why and point you to the right next step.
- Follow up if needed.If the treatment isn't working after a few weeks, come back. Acne treatment often needs an adjustment.
Outside a pharmacist's scope
When to see a doctor instead
See a physician or dermatologist, rather than a pharmacist, if you have:
- Painful, deep cysts or nodules
- Acne covering a large area of your face, chest, or back
- Scarring or dark marks left behind by past breakouts
- Acne that hasn't improved after trying an over-the-counter or pharmacist-prescribed treatment
- Sudden, severe breakouts, especially with fever or spreading redness
A pharmacist will tell you directly if your case is outside mild acne. That's not a brush-off, it's the program working the way it's supposed to.
While you wait or in between treatments
Self-care in the meantime
- Wash the affected area twice a day with a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser. Scrubbing harder doesn’t help and can make irritation worse.
- Avoid picking or popping; it raises the risk of scarring and spreading bacteria.
- Choose skincare and makeup labelled "non-comedogenic" so it’s less likely to clog pores.
- Change pillowcases and face towels regularly.
- Give a new product two to three weeks before deciding whether it’s working. Acne treatments are slow.
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Common questions
Acne FAQ
Something not covered here? Call (905) 235 8820 and a pharmacist will walk you through it.
Do I need an appointment to see a pharmacist about acne?
Usually not. Walk in and ask at the counter. If you’d prefer privacy, ask for a consultation room.
Is the assessment free?
The assessment is covered by OHIP for Ontario residents with a valid health card. The cost of any prescribed medication depends on your drug coverage.
Can a pharmacist prescribe anything for acne, or only certain products?
Pharmacists can prescribe a defined list of treatments approved for mild acne under the program. If your case needs something outside that list, you’ll be referred to a physician.
What if I don't have an Ontario health card?
Ask us about your options; we'll walk you through what's available without OHIP coverage.
Will the pharmacist know if my acne is more than "mild"?
Yes. Assessing severity is part of the visit. If it's beyond what a pharmacist can treat, you'll be told clearly and referred onward.
How long until I see results?
Acne treatments typically take several weeks to show visible change. Your pharmacist will tell you what to expect and when to follow up.
Ask about a same-day acne assessment
Walk in during pharmacy hours, no appointment needed, or call ahead.