Impetigo Treatment
Impetigo Treatment
If you or your child has symptoms of impetigo, our pharmacist may be able to assess and treat the condition through the NHS Pharmacy First service.
Impetigo is a common and highly contagious skin infection. Under NHS Pharmacy First, adults and children aged 1 year and over can access advice and treatment from a participating community pharmacy without needing to see a GP first.
What is impetigo?
Impetigo is a contagious skin infection that is particularly common in young children, although people of any age can develop it. It usually causes sores or blisters that burst and develop distinctive crusty patches.
Although impetigo is not usually serious, it can spread easily to other areas of the body and to other people. Getting appropriate advice and treatment can help the infection clear and reduce the risk of spreading it.
You can find more information about the condition on the NHS impetigo information page.
What are the symptoms of impetigo?
Impetigo usually begins with sores or blisters on the skin. These can quickly burst and leave crusty, golden-brown patches.
Common signs and symptoms can include:
- Sores or blisters on the skin
- Golden-brown or crusty patches
- Itchy skin around the affected area
- Soreness or discomfort
- Patches that become larger or spread to other areas
- Fluid or discharge from the affected skin
Impetigo commonly affects the face, particularly around the nose and mouth, as well as the hands. However, it can develop on other areas of the body.
NHS Pharmacy First Impetigo Service
Through the NHS Pharmacy First service, our pharmacist can assess adults and children aged 1 year and over who have symptoms that may be caused by impetigo.
During your consultation, the pharmacist will ask about the symptoms, how long they have been present and any relevant medical history or medicines being taken.
They will assess the affected skin and check whether the symptoms are suitable for treatment through the NHS Pharmacy First clinical pathway.
Depending on the assessment, the pharmacist may provide self-care advice or, where clinically appropriate, treatment for impetigo. If the symptoms require further investigation or treatment, you may be referred to another NHS healthcare professional.
Find out more about NHS Pharmacy First.
Who can use the Pharmacy First service?
The NHS Pharmacy First impetigo pathway is available to adults and children who:
- Are aged 1 year or over
- Have symptoms that may be caused by impetigo
- Meet the NHS Pharmacy First clinical pathway criteria
Children aged 11 months or younger with symptoms of impetigo should be assessed by their GP rather than through the Pharmacy First impetigo pathway.
There are also circumstances where the pharmacist may need to refer you to another healthcare professional, including if you have a weakened immune system, the infection has returned or your symptoms suggest another or more serious skin condition.
Get help in 4 easy steps
1. Contact our pharmacy
Book an appointment if you or your child aged 1 year or over has symptoms that could be caused by impetigo.
2. Speak to our pharmacist
Our pharmacist will discuss the symptoms, relevant medical history and any medicines currently being taken.
3. Clinical assessment
The pharmacist will assess the affected skin and check for signs of impetigo and any symptoms that may require further medical attention.
4. Advice and treatment
We will explain the most appropriate next steps. Where clinically appropriate under the NHS Pharmacy First pathway, the pharmacist may be able to provide treatment directly from the pharmacy.
How is impetigo treated?
The treatment recommended will depend on your symptoms and the extent of the infection.
Following an assessment, a pharmacist may recommend or supply an appropriate treatment in line with the NHS Pharmacy First clinical pathway. Depending on the circumstances, treatment for impetigo can include hydrogen peroxide cream or antibiotic treatment.
It is important to use any treatment exactly as directed. If you are prescribed an antibiotic, complete the treatment as instructed even if the symptoms begin to improve.
How can I stop impetigo spreading?
Impetigo is very contagious and can spread through direct skin contact or by sharing items such as towels and bedding.
While the infection is contagious, you should:
- Wash affected areas gently with soap and water and dry them thoroughly
- Wash your hands regularly, particularly before and after applying treatment
- Avoid touching or scratching the affected areas
- Avoid sharing towels, flannels, bedding or clothing
- Wash towels, bedding and pillowcases at a high temperature
- Clean children’s toys with detergent and warm water
- Avoid close contact with other people where possible
Children should stay away from school or nursery, and adults should stay away from work where appropriate, until they are no longer contagious.
According to the NHS, impetigo generally stops being contagious 48 hours after starting prescribed hydrogen peroxide cream or antibiotic treatment. Without treatment, it can remain contagious until the affected areas have healed, dried and crusted over.
For full guidance on preventing the infection from spreading, visit the NHS guide to impetigo.
When should I see a GP?
Pharmacy First is suitable for many people with suspected impetigo, but some people may need assessment by their GP.
You should contact your GP if:
- Your child is aged 11 months or younger
- You are breastfeeding and have impetigo sores on your breasts
- You have a weakened immune system
- You have already received treatment but your symptoms have changed or become worse
- You have had impetigo within the past year and it has returned
If our pharmacist identifies anything during your consultation that requires further medical assessment, we will explain what you should do next.
Do I need to see my GP first?
No. Eligible patients can contact a participating community pharmacy directly for an NHS Pharmacy First consultation for suspected impetigo.
You may also be referred to the Pharmacy First service by your GP practice, NHS 111 or another NHS healthcare service.
Will I need antibiotics?
Not everyone with impetigo will need antibiotics. The appropriate treatment depends on the type and extent of the infection and your individual circumstances.
Our pharmacist will assess your symptoms using the NHS Pharmacy First clinical pathway and recommend the most appropriate course of action. Antibiotics will only be supplied when clinically appropriate.
Convenient NHS care from your local pharmacy
NHS Pharmacy First provides a convenient way to access professional healthcare for common conditions such as impetigo without needing to see your GP first.
Our pharmacist can assess your symptoms, provide advice and, where clinically appropriate, supply treatment through the NHS service.
Book an appointment today
If you or your child aged 1 year or over has symptoms of impetigo, book an appointment with our pharmacy team today. Our pharmacist can assess the symptoms and advise you on the most appropriate next steps.
