Minor issues

Contact a dentist directly if you have tooth problems. Search online for local dentists.

Emergency dentist in Hamilton

• Hamilton Emergency Dentist Hamilton Emergency Dentist
  Competitive, affordable prices, open 24/7 
• Hamilton Dental Emergency Centre
  Dentists Hamilton – Hamilton Dental Emergency Centre, 24/7, 365 days per year.

If you need glasses or an eye check, contact Specsavers. 

• Specsavers can bill your insurer directly, so you won’t need to pay upfront. 
• Search online for your nearest store. 

Cat scratches do not usually require urgent medical care. Rabies does not exist in New Zealand. If you are bitten by an animal and need advice, please speak to a nurse or phone Healthline. 

Itchy insect bites 

Insect bites from mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, sandflies, and bed bugs are common in NZ. Bites usually go away on their own after a few days. Purchase insect repellents to prevent bites. Try not to scratch - scratching can make the itchy bite worse. To ease the itching and discomfort: 

• Wash the bitten area with cool water or apply a damp cloth soaked in ice water. 
• Try holding an ice pack (wrapped in a towel) on the area for up to 10 minutes at a time.
• Apply calamine lotion, aloe vera, or an antihistamine cream like Soov on the bites (these can be purchased from a pharmacy) to relieve itching and swelling.

Book an appointment at Student Health if symptoms last more than two weeks, or if there is pain, pus, or the red swollen area continues to get bigger.

International students can go directly to a Sexual Health clinic for free testing or treatment of STIs. No referral is required from a doctor. 

• Hamilton students - contact Waikato Sexual Health Clinic
• Tauranga students - contact Sexual Health – Bay of Plenty
• At Student Health Service, students will need to pay for Nurse Prescriber appointments and treatment then apply for reimbursement from their insurance provider
• StudentSafe insurance allows you to claim up to $300 for sexual health care.

Dandruff and dry skin are common in cold weather or during stressful times. It can be managed by using a medicated shampoo without seeing a doctor. 

If skin or dandruff does not improve, or you have severe symptoms (like red, itchy skin or other concerns), book an appointment at Student Health Service. 

How can I treat dandruff?

A medicated shampoo is the main treatment for dandruff and can be purchased from any pharmacy. Common brands available in NZ include:  

• Selsun Blue 
• Head & Shoulders 
• Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Shampoo for Dandruff 
• Cedel Anti Dandruff Medicated Shampoo  

Always read the instructions on the bottle before use. 

Use dandruff shampoo every day for one week: 

1. Wet your scalp in the sink or shower. 
2. Massage dandruff shampoo into your scalp, focusing on the skin under the hair. 
3. Wrap a towel around your head and leave shampoo on for 30 minutes. 
4. Rinse out dandruff shampoo. Use regular shampoo or conditioner afterwards for your hair. 

To keep dandruff away, continue to use dandruff shampoo 1–2 times a week.

Relieve and prevent dry skin  

To relieve and prevent dry skin: 

• Protect your skin from the sun 
  • Use sunscreen regularly. 
  • Avoid being outdoors during peak UV hours (10am–4pm). 
• Use gentle cleansers 
  • Choose mild, soap and fragrance-free cleansers (e.g. CeraVe, Cetaphil, La Roche-Posay, Aveeno). 
  • Regular soap can dry out your skin.
• Keep showers short 
  • Shower once a day for five to ten minutes. 
• Moisturise often 
  • Apply moisturiser right after showering, before getting dressed. 
  • Reapply moisturiser several times during the day. 
  • Recommended brands: CeraVe, Cetaphil, La Roche-Posay, Aveeno. 
• Try Sorbolene cream 
  • It can be used as a soap substitute instead of body wash, and as a moisturiser. 
  • It’s inexpensive (usually under $10 for 500 ml) and available at any pharmacy. 
• Extra tips 
  • At night, apply a thin layer of Vaseline to very dry areas. 
  • Use sensitive or wool-wash laundry detergent. 
  • Wear loose-fitting clothing and cover up in cold or windy weather. 
  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. 

For more detailed information, visit: Dry skin on the Healthify website.

The most common cause of a new cough, sore throat, or runny nose is a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu.  You can buy medicines to help ease your symptoms at the pharmacy - you don’t need a prescription. Our doctors don’t usually prescribe antibiotics for viral illnesses such as cold or flu. Our nurses can give you advice about self-care when you are unwell (common conditions/selfcare) 

There is information on Healthify website how to look after yourself, when to seek help, and where to go for healthcare: 

• Cold and flu medicines – adults on Healthify website
• Cough, runny nose, sore throat on Healthify website