Travel clinic
- Expert private travel vaccinations
- Non-travel vaccinations and antimalarials
Impetigo infection advice and NHS-funded* treatment service
Do you or your child have symptoms of a possible impetigo infection? Now those aged 1 year and over can access Free NHS impetigo assessment and treatment service through the Pharmacy First Service, without the need to see your GP. Search your local participating pharmacy and book online.
*The pharmacist will check your suitability and eligibility for the Free NHS Pharmacy First Service. In some cases, a treatment may not be required for your symptoms. Also, if the pharmacist finds that your symptoms suggest a more serious infection or condition, they may refer you to your GP or another service for further assessment and treatment.
How It Works?
We strive to offer the best possible experience to our customers
Our Featured Pharmacies
Find featured pharmacies that offer the NHS Pharmacy First Service. This service includes seven different common conditions including impetigo infection.
What is Impetigo?
Impetigo is a very contiguous skin infection. It is usually not serious and can clear within 7-10 days with treatment. It can affect anyone but it is more common in young children.
Whilst anyone can develop acute otitis media, it is most common among children.
What causes Impetigo?
Impetigo is caused by bacterial infection. The two main causative bacteria are group A Streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus. When the skin barrier is broken, it is susceptible to impetigo infection.
It is recommended that you keep any cuts, scratches or insect bites to the skin clean by for example washing it with soap and warm water. Get treatment for any skin condition that can lead to broken skin, such as eczema. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.
What are the main signs and symptoms of Impetigo?
Impetigo is generally a mild infection that can affect anyone and it can occur anywhere on the body. However, it is most commonly found:
- Near the mouth and nose areas
- On arms and legs
The symptoms start as itchy red sores and blisters. These burst within a few days leaving brown, golden crusty patches.
What are the available treatment options for Impetigo?
Once you have a consultation with one of our pharmacists, if it is clinically appropriate and you meet the eligibility criteria, you will be offered a treatment to help with the recovery from the impetigo infection.
There are several treatments available that you might be offered. These include:
Hydrogen Peroxide Cream (treatment of localised non-bullous impetigo.)
Antibiotic Cream (Fusidic acid cream for the treatment of non-bullous impetigo.)
Antibiotic Tablets/capsules/oral solution (for treatment of widespread non-bullous impetigo.)
If treatment through the Pharmacy First Service is not suitable or you don’t meet the eligibility criteria, the pharmacist will offer an alternative service or sign-post you to another service.
For up-to-date advice and information on the impetigo infection, visit the NHS.uk webpage.
What is the Pharmacy First Service?
The Pharmacy First Service is an NHS service designed to offer free advice and treatments to eligible patients for seven common conditions. Patients can access this service at participating pharmacies in England. The additional conditions covered by this service include:
Find your nearest pharmacy offering the Pharmacy First Service and book online.
Find innovative private health services near you and book online
You can find details of the services below and book an appointment with your nearest clinic online.
Vitamin B12 injection service
- Professional service provided by healthcare professionals
- Effective way to boost your vitamin B12 levels