Impetigo

Impetigo Treatment | Pharmacy First Skin Infection Treatment | Allied Pharmacies

Impetigo is a common and highly contagious bacterial skin infection that can affect both children and adults. It often causes red sores or blisters that burst and form golden-brown crusts on the skin, commonly around the nose, mouth, hands or face.

Although impetigo is usually not serious, it spreads easily through close contact and should be treated promptly to prevent the infection spreading to other people or other parts of the body.

At Allied Pharmacies, trained pharmacists can assess symptoms and provide impetigo treatment through the NHS Pharmacy First service, helping patients receive care quickly without needing to see a GP.

Use the postcode search to find your nearest Allied Pharmacy offering impetigo treatment and advice.

What is Impetigo?

Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. It most commonly affects young children but can occur at any age.

The infection usually begins with red sores or blisters that quickly burst and form a distinctive honey-coloured crust. These patches can grow larger and spread if left untreated.

Impetigo spreads easily through:

• Skin-to-skin contact 
• Scratching the infected area 
• Sharing towels, bedding or clothing

Because of how easily it spreads, early treatment is recommended.

Symptoms of Impetigo

The symptoms of impetigo may vary depending on the type and severity of infection.

Common symptoms include:

• Red sores or blisters on the skin
• Crusty golden-brown scabs Itchy or sore patches of skin
• Skin that may appear wet or weepy before crusting
• Lesions around the nose, mouth, hands or limbs

In most cases the infection affects exposed areas of skin such as the face, arms or legs.

Pharmacy First Impetigo Service

Impetigo is one of the conditions included in the NHS Pharmacy First service, which allows pharmacists to assess and treat certain common conditions without patients needing a GP appointment.

During a consultation, the pharmacist may:

• Assess the affected skin and symptoms
• Provide advice on managing the infection
• Supply appropriate treatment if suitable Refer you to a GP if symptoms require further investigation

This service helps patients receive faster access to treatment and professional advice.

How To Prevent Impetigo From Spreading

Because impetigo is contagious, it is important to take steps to prevent spreading the infection.

Helpful measures include:

• Washing the affected area gently with warm water
• Avoiding touching or scratching the sores
• Washing hands frequently
• Not sharing towels, bedding or clothing
• Keeping nails trimmed and clean

Children should usually stay away from school or nursery until 48 hours after starting treatment or until sores have healed.

When Should You Seek Medical Advice?

You should seek medical advice if:

• The infection spreads quickly
• Symptoms do not improve after several days of treatment
• The affected skin becomes very painful or swollen
• You develop a fever or feel unwell

Your pharmacist can advise whether treatment at the pharmacy is appropriate or if you should see a GP.

Why Choose Allied Pharmacies?

Allied Pharmacies provide accessible healthcare services across communities throughout the UK.

Our pharmacies offer:

• Trained pharmacists experienced in minor illness treatment 
• Fast access to care without needing a GP appointment 
• Confidential consultation rooms 
• Convenient local pharmacy locations

Pharmacy First allows patients to receive professional healthcare advice and treatment quickly and conveniently.

Find Impetigo Treatment Near You

Impetigo consultations and treatment advice are available at participating Allied Pharmacies across England.

Use the postcode search above to find your nearest pharmacy offering impetigo treatment through the Pharmacy First service.

Our pharmacists provide fast, professional care to help treat skin infections and prevent them spreading.