Impetigo Treatment Nationwide
About impetigo
Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection that often starts with sores or blisters on the face or hands. It’s common in children.
Common symptoms
- Red sores or blisters that burst quickly
- Golden-brown crusty patches
- Itchy skin
- Spreads easily by contact
How Longhill Pharmacy can help
Our pharmacist can assess your symptoms and, where appropriate, supply treatment on the spot through Pharmacy First - saving you a GP appointment and getting you sorted faster. We'll also give practical advice on self-care and when to seek further help.
NHS guidance on impetigo
Symptoms of impetigo
Impetigo starts with red sores or blisters, but the redness may be harder to see on brown and black skin.
The sores or blisters quickly burst and often leave crusty, golden-brown patches.
The patches can:
- look a bit like cornflakes stuck to your skin
- get bigger and spread to other parts of your body
- be itchy and are sometimes painful
See a pharmacist if:
- you have symptoms of impetigo
- your child is aged 12 months or over and has symptoms of impetigo
A pharmacist can give the same medicines as a GP to treat impetigo. They can also give advice or direct you to to other medical help if you need it.
See a GP if:
You or your child have symptoms of impetigo and:
- your child is aged 11 months or younger
- you're breastfeeding and the impetigo sores are on your breasts
- have a weakened immune system, for example, from chemotherapy
- have had treatment but the symptoms have changed or become worse
- have had impetigo in the past year and it has come back
Impetigo is very infectious. Check with the GP surgery before you go in. They may suggest a phone consultation.
Read the full NHS guide to impetigo →
Content supplied by the NHS website.
Page last reviewed: 5 June 2024 · Next review due: 5 June 2027
Frequently asked questions
Can I get impetigo treatment without seeing a GP?
Yes. Through NHS Pharmacy First our pharmacist can assess and treat impetigo directly - including prescription medicine where appropriate - with no GP appointment or referral needed. The consultation is free.
Who is eligible for impetigo treatment?
Pharmacy First for this condition covers 1 year and over. Our pharmacist will confirm your eligibility during the consultation and refer you on if another service is more suitable.
How quickly can I be seen?
We offer same-day consultations online or by phone in most cases. Book online or call 01429 402141 and we'll help you as soon as possible.
Other conditions we treat
Get treated for impetigo today
Book a service online in minutes, or call our team - we're always happy to help.