Impetigo Treatment

Service reviewed by Aans Memon, GPhC-registered pharmacist (GPhC - 2085817)
Impetigo - 1
Impetigo - 2
Impetigo - 3
1

Find a Pharmacy

Search by postcode, pick your preferred location

2

Consultation

Speak with a qualified pharmacist

3

Treatment

Same-day when clinically appropriate

NHS assurance pending: NHS Pharmacy First service delivery is blocked pending assurance evidence. This page must not be used to claim NHS-assured IT status, NHSBSA/MYS submission, live GP Connect Update Record integration, or completed automated GP record updates. NHS Pharmacy First funding and prescription-charge wording is unavailable until assurance evidence is verified.

Urgent or emergency symptoms

If symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, or you need emergency help, call 999. If you are unsure what to do next, use NHS 111 for urgent medical advice.

Understanding Impetigo

Highly Treatable

Antibiotics Work Fast

Most cases clear within 7-10 days with proper treatment.

Contagious

Spreads Easily

Common in children, spreads through close contact and shared items.

Quick Relief

Same-Day Treatment

Get antibiotics prescribed and start treatment today.

Recognizing Impetigo

Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection that causes red sores or blisters. These typically appear around the nose and mouth but can occur anywhere on the body. The sores burst and develop honey-colored crusts.

Common Impetigo Symptoms

Look for these signs of impetigo infection. Early treatment helps prevent spreading.

01

Red Sores

Sores that quickly burst and ooze

02

Honey-Colored Crusts

Golden-brown crusty patches on skin

03

Fluid-Filled Blisters

Small blisters that may weep fluid

04

Around Nose & Mouth

Most commonly affects facial area

05

Spreading Patches

Can spread to other body parts

06

Itchy Skin

Affected areas may be itchy

Preventing Spread of Impetigo

01

Hygiene

  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water
  • Keep affected areas clean and covered
  • Change and wash bedding daily
02

Avoid Sharing

  • Don't share towels, flannels, or bedding
  • Avoid sharing personal items like razors
  • Keep separate eating utensils
03

Stay Home

  • Keep children home from school until 48 hours on antibiotics
  • Avoid close contact with others until infection clears
  • Cover sores with loose clothing or bandages

Who Can Use This Service?

Eligible

  • Aged 1 year or over
  • Symptoms of impetigo (red sores, blisters, honey-colored crusts)
  • Infection around nose, mouth, or other body areas
  • First occurrence or recurring impetigo

Not Eligible - See Your GP

  • Widespread infection covering large body areas
  • Signs of cellulitis (deep skin infection)
  • High fever or feeling very unwell
  • Immunocompromised patients
  • Symptoms near the eyes

If symptoms are severe, widespread, or near the eyes, you may be referred to a GP or urgent care.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

1

Book Appointment

Choose a convenient time at your local pharmacy

2

Assessment

Pharmacist examines the infected area

3

Get Prescription

Receive antibiotic cream or tablets

4

Follow-up

Recovery advice and support

Key Benefits

Free NHS consultation
Same-day antibiotic prescription
Expert pharmacist assessment
No GP appointment needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about weight management treatment

Eligibility & Service

This NHS service is available for anyone aged 1 year and over with symptoms of impetigo. Our pharmacist will assess your condition during a free consultation and prescribe appropriate treatment if needed.
No, you can come directly to the pharmacy. Under the NHS Pharmacy First scheme, pharmacists are qualified to assess and treat impetigo without a GP referral.

2 questions in this category

Get Treatment for Impetigo Today

Find a pharmacy near you where this pathway is available in scope

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Assurance pending
Pilot

Find a Pharmacy

Clinical content is not an NHS-assured service route
No NHSBSA/MYS claim submission by Fylo
No live GP Connect Update Record integration
Use only with an approved pilot instruction or manual support route

NHS Pharmacy First funding and prescription-charge wording is unavailable until assurance evidence is verified.