Pharmacy First
Impetigo is a common and highly contagious bacterial skin infection that mainly affects young children, although adults can also develop the condition. It usually appears as red sores or blisters that burst and form a characteristic golden-brown crust on the skin.
Through the NHS Pharmacy First service, eligible patients can receive advice and treatment for impetigo directly from All Care Pharmacy, without needing to book a GP appointment in many cases
Symptoms may include:
Symptoms may include:
This is the most common form of impetigo. It typically starts with small red sores around the nose and mouth before spreading to nearby skin. The sores develop into golden or honey-coloured crusts.
Bullous impetigo causes larger fluid-filled blisters that may appear on the trunk, arms, or legs. The blisters can burst and leave red, raw-looking skin underneath.
Impetigo is more common in:
At All Care Pharmacy, we can assess and help manage impetigo through the NHS Pharmacy First service. Treatment often involves antibiotic creams or ointments that work directly on the affected area to eliminate the bacteria causing the infection, helping to reduce symptoms and prevent it from spreading to others. In some cases, where the infection is more widespread or severe, further medical assessment may be required and oral antibiotics may be recommended by an appropriate healthcare professional.
Most cases of impetigo improve quickly with appropriate treatment and do not cause long-term problems. However, if left untreated, the infection can spread to other areas of the body or to other people through close contact. In some cases, the bacteria may penetrate deeper layers of the skin, leading to a more serious infection that requires additional medical attention. Persistent symptoms, increasing redness, swelling, pain, or the development of a fever may indicate that the infection is worsening. If this happens, the team at All Care Pharmacy can advise on the next steps and, where necessary, refer you for further medical assessment to ensure you receive the most appropriate care.
The NHS Pharmacy First service allows eligible patients to access professional assessment and treatment for several common conditions directly from a pharmacy. This helps patients receive care quickly and reduces the need for GP appointments where appropriate.
If you think you may have impetigo, visit All Care Pharmacy and speak with our pharmacy team for advice and support.
