Impetigo Skin Infection

What is Impetigo

Impetigo is a contagious skin infection. It is not usually serious, and it often gets better within seven to 10 days if you use a specially medicated impetigo treatment. Anyone can get impetigo, but it is most common in young children.

What are the symptoms of impetigo skin infection

The main symptom of impetigo is red sores or blisters which are usually filled with pus. These sores or blisters can quickly burst, leaving crusty, golden-brown patches on the skin.

These patches may:

• Look similar to cornflakes that are stuck to your skin
• Get larger in size
• Spread to other parts of the body
• Feel itchy
• Become painful and tender

You may not know you have impetigo straight away. This is because the symptoms do not usually show until around four to 10 days after coming into contact with the bacteria that causes it.

Who qualifies for a Pharmacy First Impetigo condition appointment? 

• Patients registered with a GP
• Individuals with the symptoms listed above
• Ages 1 year and over

What causes impetigo

Impetigo occurs when the skin becomes infected by bacteria known as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes.

This bacteria can infect the skin via a break in the skin, caused by a cut or insect bite, or it can get through damaged skin as a result of another underlying skin condition, like eczema, head lice or scabies.

Impetigo can spread easily through close contact with another person who has the infection. This can be via direct physical contact, or by sharing towels or bedding.

Those with a weakened immune system, such as people with diabetes or those receiving chemotherapy, are at a higher risk of catching impetigo.

How to stop Impetigo spreading

NHS advises on what you can do to prevent and stop the spread of impetigo, such as: 

• Stay at home where possible
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water
• Avoid touching or scratching sores, blisters or crusty patches
• Make sure any sores, blisters or crusty patches are kept clean, dry and covered with loose clothing or gauze bandages
• Wash towels and bedding at a high temperature
• Wipe down toys if your child has impetigo

How to treat Impetigo

It is possible for impetigo to get better by itself. If you do not use a treatment for impetigo, it stops being contagious when the patches dry out and crust over. This is usually within two to three weeks.

However, since this condition is highly contagious, you may want to seek medical advice for a suitable treatment to help the infection clear up quickly. If you use antibiotics or an antibiotic cream for impetigo, it should stop being contagious 48 hours after you’ve started using the medication.

How can Pharmacy+Health help?

If you are worried that you or your child may have impetigo, chat to the team at your local Pharmacy+Health today. 

Our participation in the Pharmacy First service means that our highly trained pharmacists are able to assess your symptoms and suggest the most suitable treatment based on your symptoms and individual circumstances. 

Through this service, we are able to recommend effective medication for this condition, including antibiotics for impetigo that you are usually only able to access via your GP. Your pharmacist will be able to suggest the most suitable antibiotics for a skin rash infection like impetigo. Using the Pharmacy First scheme is easy and convenient – it’s as simple as that.

Visit us at your local branch to find out how we can help you. 

Book a pharmacy first appointment today

Our fully qualified healthcare experts are here to help you if you or your child suffer from Impetigo. We provide consultation appointments and treatments for Impetigo and many other common health conditions. Our expert pharmacists provide clinical advice and will recommend the most suitable treatment for you.

So, for information, advice and Impetigo treatment, book a pharmacy appointment with us today. We’re here to make accessing healthcare quicker, easier and more convenient.