Mon - Fri: 08:45 - 18:00
NHS Pharmacy First Service
Walk-In — No GP Appointment Needed

Impetigo Treatment

Free NHS impetigo assessment and antibiotic treatment. No GP appointment needed — walk in today.

Walk In Today →
What Is Impetigo?

Understanding Impetigo

Impetigo is a common and highly contagious bacterial skin infection. It causes red sores that burst, leaving golden-brown crusty patches. It most commonly affects children but can occur at any age.

Common Symptoms

  • Red sores or blisters that burst quickly
  • Golden-brown or honey-coloured crusty patches
  • Sores typically around the nose and mouth
  • Itching around the affected area
  • Sores can spread to other parts of the body
  • Swollen lymph nodes nearby
Pharmacist assessing impetigo
Treatment

How We Treat Impetigo

Under the NHS Pharmacy First service, our qualified pharmacists can assess your impetigo and provide appropriate treatment without a GP appointment.

  • Clinical assessment of infection extent
  • Prescription of topical antibiotic cream (fusidic acid) for mild cases
  • Oral antibiotics (flucloxacillin) for widespread infection
  • Hygiene advice to prevent spread
  • Follow-up advice
Impetigo treatment at pharmacy
Key Information

What You Need to Know

Who Is Eligible

All ages are eligible for the Pharmacy First impetigo service. No GP referral is needed — simply walk in for assessment and treatment.

When to Visit

Visit us as soon as sores appear — early treatment prevents spread and speeds healing. Prompt treatment also reduces the risk of infecting others.

What to Bring

Bring a list of any current medications and your NHS number if possible. No prescription or GP letter is required. Just walk in during opening hours.

Questions

Impetigo FAQs

Impetigo starts as red sores or blisters that burst quickly, leaving golden-brown crusty patches. It commonly appears around the nose and mouth but can occur anywhere on the body.
Yes, impetigo is highly contagious. It spreads through direct contact with sores or contaminated items. Keep the affected area covered and maintain good hand hygiene.
Yes. Under Pharmacy First, our pharmacists can prescribe topical antibiotic cream or oral antibiotics depending on the severity and extent of the infection.
With antibiotic treatment, impetigo usually clears within 7-10 days. You are no longer contagious 48 hours after starting antibiotics or once sores have crusted and healed.

Need Help With Impetigo?

Walk into our pharmacy for a free NHS consultation. No appointment needed.

0191 265 0131 Book Now