Mild Skin & Soft Tissue Infections and Scabies Treatment

If you have symptoms of a mild skin infection or scabies, our pharmacist may be able to assess your symptoms and provide treatment through our NHS Pharmacy First prescribing service.

Skin problems can have many different causes, so getting the right assessment is important. Our pharmacist can examine the affected area, discuss your symptoms and, where clinically appropriate, prescribe treatment without you needing to see your GP first.

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What are skin and soft tissue infections?

Skin and soft tissue infections occur when microorganisms, commonly bacteria, enter or affect the skin and surrounding tissues. This can sometimes happen through a small cut, graze, bite or other break in the skin, although there may not always be an obvious cause.

Symptoms vary depending on the type of infection but can include redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, pain or changes to the affected skin.

Our pharmacist can assess mild symptoms and determine whether treatment through the NHS pharmacy prescribing service is appropriate.

What symptoms should I look out for?

Symptoms of a mild skin or soft tissue infection can include:

• Red or inflamed skin
• Warmth around the affected area
• Mild swelling
• Tenderness or discomfort
• Localised pain
• Changes to the appearance of the skin
• Small areas of broken, crusted or irritated skin

Redness may be less noticeable on brown or black skin, so it is also important to look for other changes such as warmth, swelling, tenderness or a change in the usual colour of the skin.

Skin that is becoming increasingly painful, hot or swollen can be a sign of cellulitis and needs prompt assessment. You can find more information on the NHS cellulitis information page.

What is scabies?

Scabies is an itchy skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin. It can affect anyone and is spread through close skin-to-skin contact.

Scabies is not caused by poor hygiene and can affect people of any age or background.

It should be treated promptly because it can spread easily between people who live together or have prolonged close physical contact.

You can find more information on the NHS scabies information page.

What are the symptoms of scabies?

Common symptoms of scabies include:

• Intense itching, particularly at night
• A raised rash or small spots
• Small lines or tracks in the skin
• A rash between the fingers
• Spots around the wrists, under the arms, waist, groin or bottom

The rash can spread across much of the body. On brown or black skin, redness may be more difficult to see, but the raised spots can usually still be felt.

It can take several weeks for symptoms to appear after becoming infected, which means scabies can sometimes spread before someone realises they have it.

NHS Pharmacy First Skin Infection and Scabies Service

Our NHS Pharmacy First prescribing service provides eligible patients with convenient access to assessment and treatment for mild skin and soft tissue infections and scabies.

During your consultation, our pharmacist will ask about your symptoms, when they started, whether they are spreading, any previous skin conditions, your medical history and any medicines you currently take.

Where appropriate, the pharmacist will examine the affected area of skin to help determine what may be causing your symptoms.

Where clinically appropriate, treatment may be prescribed directly through the pharmacy. If your symptoms suggest a more serious infection or another condition requiring further investigation, our pharmacist will explain where you should seek further care.

You can find out more about NHS Pharmacy First.

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Get help in 4 easy steps

1. Contact our pharmacy

Book an appointment if you have symptoms of a mild skin or soft tissue infection or think you may have scabies.

2. Speak to our pharmacist

Our pharmacist will discuss your symptoms, how long you have had them, your medical history and any treatments you have already tried.

3. Skin assessment

Where appropriate, the pharmacist will examine the affected skin and check for signs that may require further medical attention.

4. Advice and treatment

We will explain the most appropriate next steps. Where clinically appropriate under the NHS prescribing service, treatment may be prescribed directly through the pharmacy.

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How are mild skin infections treated?

Treatment depends on the type of infection, the area affected, your symptoms and your individual circumstances.

Some mild infections may require local treatment applied directly to the skin, while bacterial infections may sometimes require antibiotic treatment.

Our pharmacist will assess your symptoms and determine which treatment, if any, is clinically appropriate.

If antibiotics are prescribed, it is important to take or use them exactly as directed and complete the treatment as instructed.

How is scabies treated?

Scabies is usually treated using a cream or lotion applied to the skin. Treatment generally needs to be applied thoroughly to the body and repeated 7 days later.

It is important to follow the instructions provided with your treatment carefully. Our pharmacist will explain how and where to apply it.

Everyone in your household will usually need to be treated at the same time, even if they do not currently have symptoms. People you have had sexual contact with during the previous 8 weeks should also be treated.

Children under 2 years old with scabies symptoms, or who live with someone who has scabies, should be assessed by a GP rather than using an over-the-counter pharmacy treatment.

How can I stop scabies spreading?

Scabies spreads easily through close skin contact, so treating close contacts and taking practical steps at home are important.

• Treat everyone in the household at the same time
• Wash bedding and clothing at 60°C or higher on the first day of treatment
• Use a hot dryer where possible
• Place clothing that cannot be washed in a sealed bag for at least 3 days
• Avoid close physical or sexual contact until the full course of treatment has been completed
• Do not share bedding, clothing or towels

Scabies can affect anyone and having scabies does not mean that you have poor personal hygiene.

Will the itching stop immediately after scabies treatment?

No. The itching caused by scabies can continue for several weeks after successful treatment.

This does not necessarily mean that treatment has failed. Your skin can continue reacting after the mites have been killed.

If you are still experiencing significant itching 2 to 4 weeks after completing treatment, speak to your GP or pharmacist for further advice.

How can I look after a mild skin infection?

The advice will depend on the type of infection, but general skin care can include:

• Keeping the affected area clean
• Avoiding scratching or picking the skin
• Keeping cuts and wounds clean and appropriately covered
• Washing your hands regularly
• Avoiding sharing towels, razors and other personal items
• Using any treatment exactly as directed

Our pharmacist will provide advice specific to your condition during your consultation.

When should I seek urgent medical advice?

Some skin infections can become more serious and require urgent medical assessment.

Seek urgent advice from your GP or NHS 111 if:

• Your skin is becoming increasingly painful, hot and swollen
• The affected area is spreading quickly
• You feel generally unwell
• You have a high temperature or feel hot, cold or shivery
• There is significant swelling or severe pain
• The infection is around your eye
• Your symptoms are getting worse despite treatment
• You have a weakened immune system and develop signs of a skin infection

You can get urgent medical advice through NHS 111 online.

When should I call 999?

Call 999 or go to A&E if you have a skin infection and develop symptoms such as:

• A very high temperature with severe illness
• Very fast breathing or a fast heartbeat
• Purple patches developing on the skin
• Confusion or disorientation
• Severe dizziness or fainting
• Cold, clammy or unusually pale skin
• Loss of consciousness or becoming unresponsive

These can be signs of a serious complication and require immediate medical attention.

What is crusted scabies?

Crusted scabies is a rare but highly contagious form of scabies. It can cause a crusted or flaky rash and is more likely to affect people with a weakened immune system.

If you have a crusted or flaky rash and think you may have scabies, you should seek medical advice rather than attempting to manage the condition yourself.

Do I need to see my GP first?

No. If you are eligible and our pharmacy provides the NHS mild skin and soft tissue infection and scabies prescribing service, you can contact us directly for an assessment.

Our pharmacist will assess your symptoms and determine whether treatment through the pharmacy is appropriate or whether you need further assessment from your GP or another healthcare professional.

Convenient NHS skin care from your local pharmacy

Getting the right treatment promptly can help manage your symptoms and, in the case of infectious conditions such as scabies, reduce the risk of spreading the condition to other people.

Our pharmacist can assess your symptoms, provide practical advice and, where clinically appropriate, prescribe treatment through the NHS service.

Book an appointment today

If you have symptoms of a mild skin or soft tissue infection or think you may have scabies, book an appointment with our pharmacy team. Our pharmacist can assess your symptoms and advise you on the most appropriate treatment and next steps.