Impetigo Treatment — NHS Pharmacy First Service
Have you or your child developed red sores, blisters, or yellow crusting on the skin? This may be impetigo — a common and contagious bacterial skin infection.
At NewGen Pharmacy, our GPhC-registered pharmacists assess your symptoms and provide NHS treatment where clinically appropriate. As a result, you can access care quickly without needing a GP appointment.
What is Impetigo?
Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Group A Streptococcus. It most commonly affects children; however, it can occur at any age.
The condition usually begins with red sores or fluid-filled blisters. These then burst and form the typical golden-yellow crust.
In addition, the infection can spread easily through contact, especially if the affected area is touched or scratched.
Common symptoms include:
- Red sores around the nose and mouth — or elsewhere on the body
- Fluid-filled blisters that burst and form a golden-yellow crust
- Itching and soreness around the affected area
- The infection may spread if touched, scratched, or through shared towels and clothing
If you notice these symptoms, it is important to seek treatment early.
Preventing the Spread of Impetigo
- Avoid touching or scratching the sores, as this can spread the infection
- Wash your hands regularly, especially after contact with the affected area
- Do not share towels, bedding, or clothing with others
- Keep the affected area clean and covered where possible
- Children should stay off school or nursery until sores have crusted over or 48 hours after starting treatment
Use our online consultation to check whether you or your child is suitable for impetigo treatment under NHS Pharmacy First. Our pharmacist will assess your symptoms and provide treatment where appropriate.
Who is this Service Suitable for?
- Adults and children aged 1 year and over with suspected impetigo
- Patients with a small number of localised sores without widespread infection
- Patients without signs of systemic illness (high fever, rapidly spreading infection, or severe pain)
Seek urgent medical help if the infection is spreading rapidly, the patient has a high fever, or there are signs of cellulitis (increasing redness, warmth, and swelling beyond the sores). Contact your GP or call NHS 111.
About Our Services
Is this NHS pharmacy service free?
Most of our services are NHS-funded and free at the point of use. However, standard NHS prescription charges may still apply in some cases. Many patients are exempt, including some children, older adults, pregnant patients, and people with certain medical conditions.
Do I need a GP referral for this service?
No. Most services allow self-referral, so you can contact us directly. However, some services may require referral through another healthcare professional, depending on the clinical pathway.
Who provides my treatment at NewGen Pharmacy?
Our GPhC-registered pharmacists carry out consultations and make treatment decisions in line with current clinical guidance and NHS service requirements.
Am I eligible for this NHS pharmacy service?
Eligibility depends on the service, your age, your symptoms, and your medical history. Our pharmacist will confirm whether the service is suitable for you during the consultation.
Will I receive medication after my consultation?
Not always. Our pharmacist will recommend the most appropriate next step. In some cases, self-care advice is enough. If treatment is clinically appropriate, we may supply medication through the service.
What do I need before my pharmacy consultation?
This depends on the service. Usually, you need to describe your symptoms and provide basic medical information. For some services, you may also need details such as your current medicines, a recent blood pressure reading, or other relevant health information.
Is my pharmacy consultation confidential?
Yes. All consultations follow UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and NHS confidentiality standards. We handle your information securely and only share it when required for your care or by law.
Access, Safety & Support
Can I use this service online or in person?
Yes. Many of our services are available online, and in-person support is also available at our pharmacy. Availability may vary depending on the service.
How quickly will I get a response?
We aim to review consultations on the same day during opening hours. However, some conditions are time-sensitive, so please contact us directly if your symptoms are urgent.
What happens if I am not suitable for treatment?
If this service is not suitable for you, our pharmacist will explain the next step and may refer you to your GP, NHS 111, urgent care, or another appropriate service.
Is NewGen Pharmacy regulated in the UK?
Yes. NewGen Pharmacy is regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council and follows UK pharmacy law, NHS service requirements, and current professional standards.
How can I make a complaint?
If you have a concern, please contact our team directly by phone or email. We take all complaints seriously and will explain our complaints process clearly.
Where can I find trusted NHS health information?
You can find general health information on the NHS website and clinical guidance from NICE. If you need help with a specific service, you can also contact our pharmacy team directly.