Impetigo Service (1+ Years)
Impetigo is a common and highly contagious skin infection, and it can spread quickly through a household, nursery, or classroom if left untreated. At Hubert Figg Pharmacy, our Impetigo Service allows patients aged 1 and over to be assessed by our pharmacist and, where clinically appropriate, treated on the spot, without the wait for a GP appointment.
What Is Impetigo?
Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection, usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus bacteria, that most often affects the skin around the nose and mouth, though it can appear anywhere on the body. It typically starts as small red sores that quickly burst, ooze fluid, and dry into a distinctive golden-brown crust. It is most common in young children but can affect people of any age, and it spreads easily through direct skin contact or by sharing towels, bedding, or toys.
Signs to Look Out For
Impetigo can look alarming, but it is usually straightforward to recognise once you know what to expect.
| Sign | What It May Indicate |
|---|---|
| Red sores or blisters, often around the nose or mouth | Typical early presentation of impetigo |
| Golden-brown, honey-coloured crust | Forms as the sores burst and dry out, a hallmark sign of impetigo |
| Itching or soreness around the affected area | Common, though scratching can spread the infection further |
| New patches appearing nearby | Suggests the infection is spreading across the skin |
How Our Impetigo Service Works
Our Impetigo Service is delivered under NHS Pharmacy First, a service available through participating community pharmacies in England. Impetigo in patients aged 1 and over is one of the seven established Pharmacy First clinical pathways, allowing our pharmacist to assess the affected skin and, where appropriate, treat you without a prior GP appointment. Treatment follows the relevant clinical pathway and may involve a topical or oral antibiotic, along with advice on hygiene measures to stop the infection spreading to others.
Who Can Use This Service
This service is available to anyone aged 1 and over with symptoms consistent with impetigo. Patients with widespread infection, a weakened immune system, or symptoms that are not settling as expected may be referred on to a GP for further assessment.
| Service | Cost | Age Range |
|---|---|---|
| Impetigo Assessment and Treatment (NHS Pharmacy First) | Free (NHS-funded, where clinically eligible) | 1 year and over |
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Our pharmacist will examine the affected skin, ask how long the sores have been present, and check whether they have been spreading or affecting other household members. They will also check your general health and any other medicines you take. Based on this assessment, they will explain the most suitable treatment and how to stop the infection spreading further, including advice on hand hygiene and avoiding sharing towels or bedding while the infection is active.
When to Seek Urgent Help
Most impetigo clears up well with appropriate treatment within about a week. However, you should seek urgent medical attention if the affected area becomes increasingly red, swollen, or painful, if you or your child develop a fever or feel generally unwell, or if the infection does not start to improve after a few days of treatment, as these can be signs of a more serious skin infection. Further general guidance on impetigo is available from the NHS.
About the NHS Pharmacy First Service
NHS Pharmacy First allows participating community pharmacies in England to assess and manage certain common conditions, including supplying appropriate medicines where the clinical pathway allows. The seven established Pharmacy First clinical pathways cover acute ear infections in children, impetigo, infected insect bites, shingles, sinusitis, sore throat, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in eligible women, with age and eligibility criteria applying to each. You can read more about how the NHS Pharmacy First service works, and the full service specification is published by NHS England.
Why Choose Hubert Figg Pharmacy?
Impetigo can spread quickly, so getting the right treatment early makes a real difference. Our pharmacists are trained to assess and treat impetigo confidently, giving you fast access to care and clear guidance on preventing it from spreading to others in your household.
Book Your Appointment
If you or your child are showing signs of impetigo, book an appointment with our pharmacist today, or get in touch if you have any questions first.