Impetigo Treatment in Stoke-on-Trent
Red sores, blisters, or crusty golden patches on the skin? Derby Street Pharmacy can assess and treat impetigo free on the NHS through Pharmacy First - no GP appointment needed.
What is Impetigo?
Impetigo is a common and highly contagious bacterial skin infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. It is most common in young children but can affect people of any age.
The infection typically appears as red sores or blisters, often around the nose and mouth, that burst quickly and leave behind distinctive golden or honey-coloured crusts. Impetigo is not usually serious but it spreads easily through close contact and shared towels, so prompt treatment is important to prevent it passing to others.
At Derby Street Pharmacy, patients aged 1 and over can be assessed and treated for impetigo through the NHS Pharmacy First service. Our pharmacists can prescribe antibiotic cream or oral antibiotics depending on the severity of your infection, saving you a trip to the GP.
How It Works
Walk In or Book
Visit Derby Street Pharmacy during opening hours or book a convenient time. No GP referral is needed.
Pharmacist Assessment
Our pharmacist will examine the affected skin, discuss your symptoms, and determine the best treatment in a private consultation room.
Treatment Provided
If appropriate, the pharmacist will prescribe antibiotic cream or oral antibiotics and advise on hygiene measures to prevent spread. No charge on the NHS.
Benefits
- Completely free on the NHS - no prescription charges for Pharmacy First treatments
- No GP appointment or referral required
- Suitable for patients aged 1 and over, including children
- Antibiotic treatment prescribed and supplied on the same visit
- Private consultation room for a comfortable assessment
- Practical advice on preventing the infection from spreading
- Faster access to treatment helps reduce contagion risk
- Referral to your GP if the infection is widespread or does not respond to treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for impetigo treatment under Pharmacy First?
The NHS Pharmacy First impetigo service is available to patients aged 1 and over. For babies under 1 year old, or if the infection covers a large area of the body, our pharmacist will advise you on the most appropriate care, which may include a referral to your GP.
How does impetigo spread?
Impetigo spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, or by touching contaminated items such as towels, flannels, or bedding. Children are particularly susceptible because of close contact at school and nursery. The infection is contagious until the sores have crusted over and healed, or until 48 hours after antibiotic treatment has started.
Can my child go to school with impetigo?
Children with impetigo should stay away from school or nursery until the sores have crusted over and healed, or until 48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment. This helps prevent the infection from spreading to other children. Your pharmacist can provide a note if needed.
What does impetigo look like?
Impetigo usually starts as red sores or blisters, most commonly around the nose and mouth, though it can appear anywhere on the body. The blisters burst quickly and leave behind golden or honey-coloured crusts that can spread outwards. The affected skin may also be itchy or sore. There are two types: non-bullous impetigo (the most common, with crusting sores) and bullous impetigo (with larger, fluid-filled blisters).
How long does impetigo take to clear up?
With antibiotic treatment, impetigo usually starts to improve within a few days and clears up fully within 7 to 10 days. Without treatment, it can take two to three weeks to resolve on its own, and there is a greater risk of the infection spreading to other parts of the body or to other people.