Say Goodbye to the Sores: Your Guide to the NHS Pharmacy First Impetigo Service

Finding a cluster of red sores or a “honey-coloured” crust on your child’s face (or even your own!) can be a bit of a worry. If you suspect it’s impetigo, you’re likely looking for a fast fix to stop the itch and prevent it from spreading.

The great news? You can skip the GP waiting room. Under the NHS Pharmacy First scheme, your local pharmacist can now diagnose and provide prescription treatment for impetigo on the spot.

What is Impetigo?

Impetigo is a highly contagious (but very common) skin infection. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about—it often starts when bacteria get into a tiny break in the skin, like an insect bite or a scratch from a bit of “rough and tumble.”

How to Spot It:

• Red sores: These usually pop up around the nose and mouth but can spread to other areas.

• Golden crusts: The sores quickly burst and leave behind distinctive, honey-coloured crusty patches.

• Fluid-filled blisters: Sometimes, you might see larger, itchy blisters that are clear at first before becoming cloudy.

How the Pharmacy First Service Helps You

We know that when your little one is uncomfortable, every hour counts. Pharmacy First is designed to be a “one-stop shop” for busy families.

Who can use this service?

This service is available for adults and children aged 1 year and over.

What happens at the pharmacy?

1. A Private Chat: You’ll be invited into a consultation room for a confidential chat with the pharmacist.

2. Visual Check: The pharmacist will look at the affected area to confirm if it is impetigo.

3. Fast Treatment: If needed, the pharmacist can prescribe antibiotic cream (like fusidic acid) or oral antibiotics directly.

4. Expert Advice: They’ll give you the “lowdown” on how to apply the cream and how to keep the infection from spreading to the rest of the family.

Top Tip: There’s no need to book. Just walk in and ask to speak to the pharmacist about “Pharmacy First for Impetigo.”

Managing Impetigo at Home

Because impetigo is “super-sharable,” a few extra hygiene steps at home can make a huge difference:

• Hands Off: Try to discourage scratching (easier said than done with kids, we know!). Keep fingernails short.

• Separate Towels: Give the person with impetigo their own towel and flannel until the sores have healed.

• Hot Wash: Wash bedding and towels at 60∘C to kill the bacteria.

• School/Work: Stay home until the sores have crusted over and healed, or until 48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment.

When to Contact Your GP Instead

While pharmacists are skin experts, you should see your GP if:

• The person affected is under 1 year old.

• The impetigo is widespread or keeps coming back.

• The sores are very painful or you notice a high fever.

Don’t let a skin infection slow you down. Head to your local pharmacy today for a quick assessment and get back to your busy life with one less thing to worry about!