Impetigo

Impetigo is a common bacterial skin infection. It usually starts as red sores or blisters that burst and dry into a golden-brown crust, most often around the nose and mouth but possible anywhere. It is not usually serious, but it spreads easily — between people, and to other parts of the body — so it is worth treating promptly.

Under NHS Pharmacy First, our pharmacist can assess impetigo and supply treatment without you seeing a GP. There is no charge for the consultation, and no prescription charge unless you normally pay for prescriptions and one is issued.

Who we can treat

We can assess anyone aged one year and over with a small, localised patch of impetigo that has not spread widely.

You do not need an appointment with your GP first, and you do not need to have had it before.

When we will send you elsewhere

Some cases fall outside what a pharmacist can treat. We will tell you honestly if yours is one of them and point you to the right place. That includes:

• Babies under one year old.
• Impetigo that is widespread, or keeps coming back.
• Large fluid-filled blisters, which suggest a different form of the infection.
• Anyone with a weakened immune system, or taking medicines that suppress it.
• Signs the infection is going deeper — spreading redness, swelling, heat, or feeling unwell with it.

Being sent elsewhere is not a wasted consultation. Part of the pharmacist’s job is deciding what needs a GP, and doing that quickly.

How the appointment works

We are an NHS distance selling pharmacy, so this consultation happens remotely rather than at our counter. Book a time and a pharmacist will call you by phone, or as a video call with your consent.

Impetigo has to be seen to be assessed properly, so you will be asked to send clear photographs of the affected skin before or during the call. Good light and a close, focused picture make a real difference. If the photographs are not clear enough to judge safely, the pharmacist will say so rather than guess.

If treatment is appropriate, it is dispensed and delivered to your door free of charge.

Treatment

Localised impetigo is usually treated with a cream applied directly to the affected skin. An antiseptic cream is often tried first; an antibiotic cream may be used if that is not suitable or has not worked. Occasionally antibiotic tablets are needed, and the pharmacist will explain if that applies to you.

Finish the course as directed, even once the skin starts to look better. Most people see improvement within a few days.

Stopping it spreading

Impetigo is contagious until the sores have crusted over and dried, or until treatment has been under way for 48 hours. Until then:

• Wash hands after touching the affected area, and try not to touch or scratch it.
• Keep towels, flannels and bedding separate, and wash them hot.
• Cover the area with loose clothing or a dressing where you can.
• Children should stay off school or nursery until the sores have crusted over, or for 48 hours after starting treatment.
• Adults in close-contact work should ask their employer about the same.

When to get help sooner

Contact your GP or call NHS 111 if the area becomes increasingly red, swollen or painful, if red streaks spread from it, if the patient develops a fever or feels unwell, if you develop a fever or feel unwell, or if it has not improved after finishing treatment. In an emergency, call 999.