Minor Ailments and Conditions

 Courtesy of Ohr Olam Mishnah Berurah

Important Note: The following list applies only to older children and adults and is limited to medical ailments and conditions which are clearly and unquestionably non-life-threatening. The Halachah is abundantly clear that all Shabbos restrictions are lifted if even a small chance of a life-threatening situation exists. If one is aware of a medical condition, it is imperative that before Shabbos he consult a rabbi, a doctor or any other medically knowledgeable person for a diagnosis of his condition and instructions for treating it on Shabbos. If this was not done, and now on Shabbos there is even a slight chance of a life-threatening situation, all Shabbos restrictions are lifted.

This list also excludes medications for mental and behavioral disorders, e.g., Ritalin, Prozac, etc. Each individual situation should be presented to a rabbi for a decision.

• abscess–may be squeezed to relieve pressure from pus, even if some blood is secreted in the process.92
• acne–all medications are prohibited. See infection for more information.
• angina–all medications are permitted.
• arthritis (mild)–Anti-inflammatory medication may not be taken.93
• asthma (all types)–all oral and breathing medications may be taken.94
• athlete’s foot–all medications are prohibited.
• back or neck brace–may be put on or removed.95
• bedridden96 due to weakness or pain–all oral medications may be taken.
• bee or wasp sting–the stinger may be removed and the area may be washed [but not soaked] with ice water, lemon juice or vinegar, etc.97
• bleeding (slow)–pressure may be applied to stop the bleeding. Sucking or squeezing out blood is prohibited.98
• blood pressure–all medications are permitted.
• bone fracture (simple)–a non-Jew may be asked to do anything necessary, e.g., make a phone call, drive a car, take x-rays or put on a cast. [If a non-Jew is not available, some poskim permit a Jew to do these acts if they are done with a shinui, in an abnormal manner.99] If there is even a small chance of internal bleeding, e.g., the thigh or pelvis bone was fractured, or if the elbow was shattered, all Shabbos restrictions are lifted.
• cellulitis—may be life-threatening and immediate medical attention is required.
• cold (running nose)–medications and vitamins may not be taken,100 unless one is bedridden or dysfunctional. Chicken soup and tea with honey, etc. are permitted.
• cough–medication may not be taken. If the cough may be an indication of pneumonia or asthma, medication is permitted.
• cuts and abrasions (minor wounds)–may be washed in water. Hydrogen peroxide may be poured over a cut. It is not permitted, however, to soak absorbent cotton or paper in such a solution and then wash the wound with it. The wound may be covered with a non-medicated Band-Aid.101 See infection for more information.
• diabetes–all necessary medications may be taken.
• diarrhea–medication is not permitted unless one is in severe pain or weak all over. Prune juice or any other food or drink is permitted. A hot water bottle is permitted when one experiences strong pains.102
• dried (or cracked) lips–it is prohibited to apply chap stick or any other medication, liquid or otherwise.
• dried (or chapped) hands–it is prohibited to rub them with either oil, ointment (Vaseline) or lotion. One who regularly uses a pourable, liquid lotion or oil on his hands (whether they are chapped or not) may do so on Shabbos, too, even if his hands are chapped.103
• ear infection–all medications are permitted. Cotton balls may be inserted.104 Even if the infection is no longer present, prescribed medicine begun on a weekday must be continued until finished to avoid a relapse.
• eye inflammation–eye drops (or ointment) may be instilled in the eye. If the eye is not inflamed but merely irritated, no medication is permitted.105
• Fever (low grade)–all oral medications may be taken106. A mercury thermometer may be used107. For high-grade fever and the cause of the fever is unknown, a doctor should be consulted108.
• headache–medication should not be taken. If the headache is severe enough so that one feels weak all over or is forced to go to bed, medication may be taken. One who is unsure if he has reached that stage of illness may be lenient and take pain- relieving medication.109
• heartburn–Foods which will have a soothing effect may be eaten. Some poskim permit taking anti-acid medication while others are stringent. If the medicine is prescribed by a doctor, one may be lenient.110
• hemorrhoids–For a mild case, medication may not be taken. For a severe case, it is permitted to sit in a “sitz bath” (with water that heated before Shabbos), or use medicated pads or suppositories.
• herniated disc (back and leg pain)—ice packs or hot packs are permitted. Physical therapy exercises, e.g. stretching, are permitted. If the pain is severe to the degree that the entire body is in pain, painkillers or other medications are permitted as well.
• infection–all medications are permitted. If ointment is needed, it may be used. See CHD on Chapter 314 for the permitted application method.
• insect repellent–liquid or spray repellents may be used.111
• lactose intolerance–Enzyme supplement tablets are considered medicine and are forbidden. But it is permitted to add enzyme drops to liquid dairy foods before Shabbos and drink the dairy on Shabbos.112
• migraine headache–all oral medications may be taken.
• nosebleed–the bleeding may be stopped with a tissue or a napkin. If none is available, a cloth napkin may be used.113
• retainer–may be inserted and removed.114
• scab–it is permitted to remove a scab if blood is not drawn from the wound.115
• sleep disorder–There are conflicting views among contemporary poskim about taking sleeping pills or No-Doze pills.116 One who is weak all over or bedridden may take them. Cotton balls may be used as ear plugs. It is permitted to use pliable ear plugs, which are made from a wax-like material that spreads to fill the cavity of the ear.117
• sore throat–medication may not be taken. Gargling is prohibited.118 Drinking tea or any other hot drink, or sucking a candy, is permitted even if the intention is for medicinal purposes.119 See also strep throat.
• splinter under the skin120–may be extracted with the fingers, or with tweezers or a needle.121 If, unavoidably, a little blood is secreted in the process, it is of no consequence.122
• sprains–If the patient is not experiencing severe pain, nothing may be done. If the patient is experiencing severe pain, medication may be taken and a massage may be given. A makeshift splint may be applied, provided that no Shabbos Labors are transgressed.
• stitches–a non-Jew may stitch any wound,123 even if the stitching is done only for cosmetic reasons.124 A Jew may place a butterfly bandage or steri-strips to close a simple laceration or cut. Surgical skin closure glue may also be used.
• strep throat–all oral medications may be taken. Even if the infection is no longer present, the prescribed medicine begun on a weekday must be continued until finished. A culture may be taken by a non-Jew.
• sunburn (ordinary)–medications are not permitted. See follow-up Discussion for more information.
• sweating–it is permitted to sprinkle baby powder on those parts of the body which are perspiring.125
• swelling–It is permitted to press a knife, etc. against the skin to prevent or minimize swelling.126 It is permitted to wash or soak the swollen area in water.127 It is permitted to place a compress,128 ice (placed in plastic bag) or any frozen item over a swollen area.129
• toothache–a minor (cavity) toothache may not be treated with painkillers, but one is permitted to drink whiskey, etc., if it is swallowed immediately.130 A severe toothache (to the point where one feels weak all over) or gum infection may be treated with oral medication. If the tooth needs to be extracted, a non-Jew may be asked to do so.131

General Notes

• A majority of poskim maintain that the rabbinic restriction against taking medications on Shabbos applies to Yom Tov as well.132 The poskim agree, however, that on the second day of Yom Tov133 and certainly on Chol ha-Moed134 it is permitted to swallow any medication, even for the most minor of ailments.
• On Shabbos, a pill may be split in half135 (even on a dotted line136), ground into small pieces137 or dissolved in liquid.138
• Sometimes (as described earlier) a medication may not be taken on Shabbos, but not taking it could lead to aggravating a condition to the point where the medication would become necessary and permitted. In such a case, one may take the medication to avoid this eventuality. For example, if one has a headache which if untreated will most likely escalate into a migraine, he may take medication before the migraine sets in.139
• One who suffers from two conditions—one for which he may take medication on Shabbos and another for which he may not—may take medication only for the former.140 Other poskim permit taking medication for both conditions.141
• In situations where one is considered “ill” and is permitted to take medicine on Shabbos, it is also permitted to explicitly ask a non-Jew to drive to a drugstore, buy medicine and bring it to him.

92. O.C. 328:28 and Mishnah Berurah 89.

93. See earlier note regarding taking medication for an ongoing condition.

94. See The Journal of Halachah and Contemporary Society #6, pg. 47, for a full discussion of how to treat asthma on Shabbos. See also Igros Moshe, Y.D. 4:13-2 and Tzitz Eliezer 17:13.

95. Based on ruling of Rav S.Z. Auerbach in Shemiras Shabbos K’hilchasah 34, note 113.

96. Even if he is getting stronger, as long as he remains weak and should be bedridden, it is permitted; Aruch ha-Shulchan 328:19.

97. See Mishnah Berurah 328:141-142. Obviously, if the sting results in a severe allergic reaction, it is considered a life-threatening situation and one must do whatever is necessary as rapidly as possible.

98. Mishnah Berurah 328:147.

99. This is the view of Shulchan Aruch ha-Rav 328:19 and Eglei Tal (Tochen 18). Some poskim (Rav S.Z. Auerbach, quoted in Shemiras Shabbos K’hilchasah 33, note 18; Shevet ha-Levi 8:93) rule that one may rely on this view, especially when there is “danger to a limb.” Note, however, that Mishnah Berurah, Aruch ha-Shulchan and most poskim do not agree with this leniency

100. There is room for leniency in kavod ha-beriyos situations, e.g., a constantly dripping nose which is disturbing to people who are around him; Rav S.Z. Auerbach (Shemiras Shabbos K’hilchasah 34, note 52).

101. Most poskim (oral ruling by Rav M. Feinstein, quoted in Kitzur Hilchos Shabbos 44, note 117); Rav S.Z. Auerbach in Shulchan Shelomo 328:45; Ohr l’Tziyon 2:36-15; Az Nidberu 7:34, 35; Rav C.P. Scheinberg, quoted in Children in Halachah, pg. 88; Rav N. Karelitz, quoted in Orchos Shabbos 11:35) permit removing the protective tabs from a Band-Aid, while others (Minchas Yitzchak 5:39-2; 9:41; Rav Y.S. Elyashiv, quoted in Machazeh Eliyahu 70) are stringent. To satisfy all opinions, one may prepare Band-Aids for Shabbos use by peeling off their protective tabs and re-sealing them before Shabbos; once they have been prepared in this fashion, they may be used on Shabbos (Tzitz Eliezer 16:6-5).

102. Mishnah Berurah 326:19.

103. Based on O.C. 327:1.

104. It is prohibited to tear cotton balling on Shabbos; Minchas Yitzchak 4:45; Shemiras Shabbos K’hilchasah 35:20.

105. O.C. 328:20. See also Eglei Tal (Tochen 17).

106. Ketzos ha-Shulchan 138, note 31.

107. O.C. 306:7. Before using it, the mercury may be shaken down.

108. Igros Moshe, O.C. 1:129; Shemiras Shabbos K’hilchasah 32:11.

109. See Ketzos ha-Shulchan 138, pg. 100; Minchas Yitzchak 3:35; Be’er Moshe 1:33; 2:32.

110. See Ketzos ha-Shulchan 138, pg. 98; Tzitz Eliezer 8:15 (15-21); Az Nidberu 1:31; Shemiras Shabbos K’hilchasah 34:4.

111. Shemiras Shabbos K’hilchasah 14:35; Shalmei Yehudah, pg. 179.

112. See Refuas Yisrael, pg. 245.

113. Mishnah Berurah 328:146.

114. Rav S.Z. Auerbach, quoted in Shemiras Shabbos K’hilchasah 34:29.

115. O.C. 328:22 and Mishnah Berurah 90.

116. See Minchas Yitzchak 3:21, Tzitz Eliezer 9:17, Be’er Moshe 1:33 and Shalmei Yehudah, pg. 176, for the various views.

117. Rav S.Z. Auerbach (Shemiras Shabbos K’hilchasah 14:45); Shraga ha-Meir 5:23. Rav Y.S. Elyashiv, however, recommends not using pliable ear plugs on Shabbos; see Ashrei ha-Ish 17:117; 33:7

118. O.C. 328:32.

119. O.C. 328:37.

120. If the splinter is under a fingernail, it may be considered dangerous.

121. The needle should be sterilized by dipping it into a disinfectant. If none is available, it may be quickly passed back and forth through a flame; see Mishnah Berurah 277:22; 318:1; Chazon Ish, O.C. 37:11; 50:9 and Igros Moshe, O.C. 1:93 concerning heating metal on Shabbos.

122. Mishnah Berurah 328:88 and Sha’ar ha-Tziyun 63.

123. See Minchas Shelomo 2:34-32, who rules that stitching a wound may be a Biblically prohibited act. See also a similar ruling in Nishmas Avraham, vol. 4, O.C. 340, quoting Rav Y. S. Elyashiv. Accordingly, only a non-Jew may stitch a wound unless it is a life-threatening situation.

124. Minchas Shelomo 2:34-33 and Nishmas Avraham, vol. 4, O.C. 340. See also Shemiras Shabbos K’hilchasah 33, note 26, and 35, note 65-66.

125. Shemiras Shabbos K’hilchasah 34:12.

126. Mishnah Berurah 328:144.

127. Tzitz Eliezer 8:15 (15-12).

128. In order to avoid sechitah and/or libun, only paper towels or napkins should be used and care should be taken not to squeeze them.

129. Rav S.Z. Auerbach quoted in Shemiras Shabbos K’hilchasah 35:35; Be’er Moshe 1:33-18.

130. O.C. 328:32. Unless one is in great distress, the whiskey should not be retained in the mouth longer than usual, nor may one rinse his mouth with it and then spit it out; Mishnah Berurah 328:102.

131. Rama, O.C. 328:3. See Tzitz Eliezer 9:17 (2-11).

132. Mishnah Berurah 532:5. A minority opinion permits taking medications on Yom Tov; see Tzitz Eliezer 8:15 (16) who rules that when in distress one may rely on this view.

133. Mishnah Berurah 496:5.

134. O.C. 532:2.

135. Rav S.Z. Auerbach quoted in Shemiras Shabbos K’hilchasah 33:4.

136. Rav S.Z. Auerbach quoted in Nishmas Avraham, vol. 5, pg. 225; Ashrei ha-Ish 31:13.

137. Rama, O.C. 321:12.

138. See Mishnah Berurah 320:34, 35.

139. Shemiras Shabbos K’hilchasah 34:16; Ashrei ha-Ish 36:28.

140. Igros Moshe, O.C. 3:53.

141. Rav Y.S. Elyashiv; Refuas Yisrael, pg. 57; Ashrei ha-Ish 36:22.