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Impetigo Treatment Service

Quick access to Impetigo treatment

Our Impetigo Treatment Service

Patients aged one year and above can receive treatment for impetigo. This includes patients who have recurrent impetigo. If you think you or your child has impetigo, visit the Pharmacy today.

Expert Assessment

Our pharmacists will assess your skin condition and provide appropriate advice and treatment.

Treatment Options

Access to prescription antibiotics and other treatments to clear the infection quickly.

Professional Advice

Get expert advice on managing symptoms and preventing spread of infection.

No GP Appointment Needed

Quick access to treatment without waiting for a GP appointment.

Follow-up Care

We'll ensure your treatment is working and provide additional support if needed.

Quick Service

Get assessed and receive treatment in a single visit to our pharmacy.

Understanding Impetigo

About Impetigo

Impetigo is a skin infection that's very contagious but not usually serious. It often gets better in 7 to 10 days if you get treatment. Anyone can get it, but it's very common in young children.

Impetigo starts with red sores or blisters, but the redness may be harder to see in brown and black skin. The sores or blisters quickly burst and leave crusty, golden-brown patches.

The patches can:

  • look a bit like corn flakes stuck to your skin
  • get bigger
  • spread to other parts of your body
  • be itchy
  • sometimes be painful

Treatment Options

A GP or pharmacist will check if your symptoms are caused by a more serious skin infection, like cellulitis.

Available Treatments

If it's impetigo, they can prescribe:

  • hydrogen peroxide cream if it's in 1 area
  • antibiotic cream or tablets if it's more widespread
  • antibiotic tablets if you have bullous impetigo

Babies and people with a weakened immune system may also need antibiotic tablets to stop the infection causing more serious problems.

Important Treatment Note

Make sure you finish treatment. Do not stop taking the antibiotic tablets early, even if the impetigo starts to clear up.

Self-Care Tips

While you wait for treatment to work, there are some things you can do to help:

Do

  • Keep the affected area clean and dry
  • Wash your hands regularly, especially after touching the infected area
  • Use a clean towel each time you wash
  • Cover the infected area with loose clothing or a gauze bandage
  • Wash your towels, sheets, and clothes at a high temperature

Don't

  • Do not touch or scratch the sores
  • Do not share towels, flannels, or bedding with family members
  • Do not prepare food for others if you have impetigo on your hands
  • Do not send children to school or nursery until the sores have dried up
  • Do not use normal soap as it may irritate the skin

When to Seek Medical Help

Most cases of impetigo clear up within a week of starting treatment. However, you should see a GP if:

  • The symptoms do not improve within a week of treatment
  • The infection keeps coming back
  • You're in pain, feeling hot or shivery, or generally unwell
  • The area around the sores becomes red, hot, swollen, or painful

These could be signs that the infection has spread deeper into your skin or body, which may need different treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about impetigo and our treatment service.

Need Treatment for Impetigo?

Visit Taffs Pharmacy today for expert assessment and treatment through our NHS Pharmacy First service.