NHS Pharmacy First · Age 1+
Impetigo
Impetigo is a common and contagious skin infection. Getting treatment early helps it clear up quickly and stops it spreading.
Impetigo is not usually serious and is most common in young children, but anyone can get it. With treatment it usually clears within 7 to 10 days. Our pharmacists can assess the rash and supply NHS treatment where appropriate.
Common symptoms
- Red sores or blisters, often around the nose and mouth
- Sores that burst and leave golden-brown crusts
- Itchy or sore patches of skin
How we can help
- Assessment of the affected skin
- NHS treatment for people aged 1 and over where appropriate
- Advice on hygiene to stop the infection spreading to others
When to get urgent help: speak to your GP or NHS 111 urgently if the infection is spreading quickly, you feel unwell or have a high temperature, or impetigo keeps coming back.
NHSRead more about impetigo on the NHS website
Make Smart Pharm your pharmacy
Expert, friendly care from pharmacists backed by robotic dispensing and medicine scanning.