Impetigo Treatment

Impetigo is a common and highly contagious bacterial skin infection that mainly affects children but can occur at any age.

It often starts as red sores or blisters that burst and form yellow or honey-coloured crusts. It spreads easily through close contact or shared items.

What is Pharmacy First?

Pharmacy First is an NHS service that allows you to get treatment for common conditions directly from a community pharmacy without needing a GP appointment.

At our pharmacy, our trained pharmacists can assess your symptoms in a private consultation and provide treatment where appropriate, or refer you for further care if needed.

This service helps you access treatment quickly and conveniently while reducing pressure on GP surgeries.

Who can use this service?

• Patients aged 1 year and over
• People with mild to moderate impetigo symptoms
• Patients who do not require urgent hospital treatment

Common symptoms of impetigo

• Red sores or blisters on the skin
• Yellow or honey-coloured crusts
• Itching or discomfort
• Sores that burst and spread easily
• Common around the nose, mouth, hands, and face

How impetigo spreads

Impetigo spreads easily through skin-to-skin contact and by sharing towels, bedding, clothing, or toys.

It is particularly common in children in school and nursery settings due to close contact.

How Pharmacy First treatment works

1. Visit us at the pharmacy (no appointment needed)
2. Speak to a trained pharmacist in a private consultation room
3. Your symptoms are assessed clinically
4. Treatment is provided if appropriate
5. If needed, we will refer you to a GP or other service

Do I need antibiotics for impetigo?

Many cases of impetigo require antibiotic treatment to clear the infection and reduce the risk of spreading it to others.

Treatment may include antibiotic creams or tablets depending on the severity and extent of the infection.

How to prevent impetigo spreading

• Wash hands regularly with soap and water
• Avoid scratching affected areas
• Keep sores clean and covered where possible
• Do not share towels, bedding, or clothing
• Stay off school or nursery until advised it is safe to return

When to seek urgent medical help

• Infection spreads rapidly or becomes severe
• Symptoms do not improve with treatment
• The patient develops a high temperature or feels unwell
• Large areas of skin become infected

Benefits of Pharmacy First

• No GP appointment required
• Fast access to NHS treatment
• Private consultation with our pharmacist
• Clinical assessment and treatment where appropriate
• Convenient local service

Book online or visit us today

You can visit us at the pharmacy for a same-day assessment, or book an appointment online for a time that suits you.

Booking online helps reduce waiting time and ensures a pharmacist is ready to see you when you arrive.

If you are unsure, contact us and we can advise you before you travel.