The public has “an alarming lack of confidence and knowledge” when it comes to self-treating the most common conditions, according to the Proprietary Association of Great Britain who renewed its call for a national self-care strategy.

Research by the consumer healthcare association, which represents manufacturers of branded OTC medicines, self-care medical devices and food supplements in the UK, examined the responses of 2,000 adults and found more than half were not confident treating backache.

One in five said they did “not feel comfortable” self-treating a headache, 34 and 33 per cent were “uncertain” about dealing with constipation and diarrhoea respectively while 27 per cent said it was “acceptable” to go to A&E and general practice for self-treatable conditions.

Describing the number of people who lack confidence or knowledge to self-treat as “alarming,” the PAGB also revealed 18, 25, 40 and 45 per cent did not feel confident self-treating coughs, sore throat, cold sores and nose bleeds respectively.

Seventy-three, 61, 57 and 54 per cent lacked the confidence to self-treat conjunctivitis, warts or veruccas, acne and period pain respectively, findings that led PAGB CEO Michelle Riddalls to insist people “need to be empowered to self-care” and urge the government to “drastically improve self-care education.”

However, she said that could not be “achieved in isolation” and insisted the pharmaceutical industry and pharmacy also has a role to play.

“An important part of self-care is about making healthcare understandable and accessible; only then will people feel confident in looking after their own health,” Ms Riddalls said, revealing that 81 per cent of respondents agreed with that assessment.

She also revealed that although “many consumers” have found it difficult to get a GP appointment, the number of people who have gone to a pharmacy for advice for common ailments has fallen from 47 per cent last year to 44 per cent this year.

Community pharmacist Deborah Evans, who advises the PAGB, said: “These shocking findings show we need to get people back into their community pharmacies and talking to their pharmacist. Pharmacists train to qualify for five years and can help provide expert advice on all self-treatable conditions including minor cuts and burns to aches and pains. 

“Pharmacists are well placed to drive a holistic approach to self-care. They can help to advise people on the most suitable and effective over-the-counter treatments as well as self-care techniques.”