Impetigo Treatment at The Village Pharmacy
Impetigo is a common, highly contagious skin infection that most often affects babies and young children, although adults can develop it too. At The Village Pharmacy, we understand how quickly a small patch of sore, weeping skin can cause worry for parents and discomfort for the person affected. The good news is that impetigo is generally straightforward to treat once it has been correctly identified, and in most cases you do not need to wait for a GP appointment to get started.
Through the NHS Pharmacy First service, our trained pharmacists can assess, diagnose and treat impetigo directly on the high street, saving you time and getting the right treatment to you sooner.
What is Impetigo?
Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection that sits on the surface of the skin rather than deeper tissue. It typically appears on the face, particularly around the nose and mouth, though it can develop on the hands, arms, legs or nappy area too. There are two main types.
Non-bullous impetigo
This is the most common form, accounting for around 70 percent of cases. It begins as small red sores that quickly burst, leaving a moist, red area that then develops a distinctive honey coloured, crusty layer as it heals.
Bullous impetigo
This type produces larger, fluid filled blisters that tend to stay intact for longer before bursting. It is more common in babies and young children under two years old.
Impetigo is not usually serious and clears up within a week or two of starting appropriate treatment. However, because it spreads so easily from person to person and from one part of the body to another through touch, prompt treatment matters, particularly for children who attend nursery or school.
What Causes Impetigo?
Impetigo is caused by bacteria, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus and occasionally Streptococcus pyogenes. These bacteria are often already present on the skin or inside the nose without causing any problems. They typically take hold and cause an infection when the skin’s protective barrier has already been broken in some way, such as through:
- Cuts, grazes or insect bites
- Eczema or other skin conditions that cause cracked or broken skin
- Cold sores or chickenpox spots that have been scratched
- Close contact with someone who already has impetigo
- Sharing towels, flannels, bedding or toys with an infected person
Impetigo spreads easily in warm, close contact environments such as nurseries, schools and family homes, which is why outbreaks among young children are common, especially during the warmer months.
Symptoms of Impetigo
Impetigo usually develops fairly quickly, and the signs are often easy to recognise once you know what to look for. Common symptoms include:
- Red sores or blisters that appear suddenly, most often around the nose and mouth
- Sores that burst quickly and leave behind a moist, red patch
- A golden or honey coloured crust forming over the affected area as it starts to heal
- Itching or mild soreness around the sores, though impetigo is not usually painful
- Patches that grow in size or that spread to new areas of skin
- In bullous impetigo, larger fluid filled blisters that may last a day or two before bursting
If the affected person feels generally unwell, develops a fever, has swelling around the eyes, or the infection is spreading rapidly, please seek same day medical advice rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
Treatment Through Pharmacy First
The Village Pharmacy is proud to offer the NHS Pharmacy First service, which allows our qualified pharmacists to assess and treat a number of common conditions, including impetigo, without the need for a GP referral. This means that for most people aged one year and over with suspected impetigo, we can offer a same day consultation and, where clinically appropriate, supply the necessary treatment directly from the pharmacy.
During your consultation, our pharmacist will ask about your symptoms, examine the affected skin, and confirm whether impetigo is the likely cause. If it is suitable to treat impetigo through the service, this usually involves:
- A topical antibiotic cream or ointment applied directly to the affected skin for localised, mild infections
- An oral antibiotic course for more widespread infections, or where topical treatment is not suitable
- Clear advice on hygiene measures to stop the infection spreading to other family members or areas of skin
- Guidance on how long to stay away from school, nursery or work, which is typically until the sores have crusted over or dried out, or 48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment
If our pharmacist feels your symptoms need a different type of assessment, or the infection is more complex than typically seen with impetigo, we will refer you promptly to your GP or another appropriate service so you are not left waiting unnecessarily.
Trusted, Local Impetigo Care
Impetigo can look alarming, especially in young children, but it is a manageable condition that responds well to prompt treatment. Our friendly team at The Village Pharmacy is here to offer fast, professional care close to home, without the wait that a GP appointment can sometimes involve. If you think you or your child may have impetigo, get in touch with us today or book an appointment online and we will guide you through the next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is impetigo contagious for?
Impetigo remains contagious until the sores have fully crusted and dried, or for around 48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment, whichever comes first. Until that point, it is sensible to avoid close contact with others, particularly babies, and to keep affected children away from nursery or school.
Can adults get impetigo, or is it only a childhood condition?
While impetigo is most common in children, adults can develop it too, particularly if they have a weakened immune system, a skin condition such as eczema or dermatitis, or close contact with an infected child at home. Adults often present with the same honey coloured crusting seen in children.
How can I stop impetigo spreading to other members of my household?
Good hygiene makes a real difference. Wash hands thoroughly and often, avoid sharing towels, flannels, pillowcases and cutlery, wash affected clothing and bedding on a hot cycle, and gently clean the sores with soap and water before applying any prescribed cream. Try to keep the affected person’s belongings separate until the infection has cleared.
Will impetigo leave scarring?
Impetigo very rarely causes permanent scarring, as it affects only the outer layer of skin. Some temporary discolouration or mild redness can persist for a short time after the sores have healed, but this normally fades on its own without any specific treatment.
Is it safe to use over the counter creams before seeing a pharmacist?
We would recommend having the skin properly assessed before starting any treatment, as several skin conditions can look similar to impetigo in the early stages. Using the wrong product can delay proper healing or allow the infection to spread further, so a quick consultation helps ensure you get the right treatment from the outset.
What happens if impetigo does not improve with treatment?
Most cases clear up within seven to ten days of starting appropriate treatment. If the sores are not improving, are spreading further, or the person develops a fever or feels unwell, our pharmacist may recommend a review or refer you on for further assessment, as this can occasionally indicate a different or more resistant infection.
Where can I get impetigo treatment near me?
You can visit us in person for a same day Pharmacy First consultation. Our pharmacy is located at:
The Meiklejohn Centre, 3- 7 Kingswood Way, Biddenham, Bedford MK40 4GH
You can also call us on 01234351455 or book online ahead of your visit.