From Mrs P. A. Blanch, MRPharmS
SIR,—A chiropodist friend recently asked for my advice. She needed to purchase 2 per cent salicylic acid in white soft paraffin. The first pharmacist, in an independent pharmacy, informed her that she could not purchase it since it was prescription only. The second (Boots) said that, yes, they could get it for her and the price would be around £100. Needless to say she declined that offer and returned home to the Falkland Islands empty handed. I suggested she try salicylic acid ointment BP — Drug Tariff price around £3.30 for 450g. The base of wool alcohols ointment rather than white soft paraffin was not a problem and she has now fortunately been able to obtain some from the military pharmacy here. Not a very good advertisement for the pharmacy profession!
Penny Blanch Stanley, Falkland Islands