impetigo treatment uk is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection, easily recognised by honey-coloured crusted sores that typically appear around the nose and mouth. It’s most common in young children but can affect anyone at any age. The good news: it usually clears up quickly, and thanks to the NHS Pharmacy First service, you can often get assessed and treated at a local pharmacy without needing to book a GP appointment.

Is impetigo contagious?

Yes. It spreads through direct skin contact and through sharing items like towels, flannels, and bedding. A person is generally considered contagious until the sores have crusted over and dried out, or for 48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment.

What impetigo treatment uk Looks Like

Impetigo usually starts as small red sores or blisters that quickly burst, ooze, and then dry into a distinctive golden or honey-coloured crust. The patches can be itchy but aren’t usually painful. In some cases, the infection presents as larger, fluid-filled blisters that are less likely to burst on their own, known as bullous impetigo, more common in babies and younger children.

A quick symptom checklist:

• Red sores or blisters that appear suddenly
• Sores that burst and weep clear or yellowish fluid
• A golden-brown crust forming over the affected area
• Mild itching around the sores
• Sores spreading to nearby skin if scratched
• Swollen glands nearby, in more widespread cases

Common Areas It Appears

Impetigo tends to show up on exposed areas of skin, particularly the face, especially around the nose and mouth. It’s also common on the hands and forearms. In children, it can appear anywhere the skin has been broken, for example around a cut, insect bite, or patch of eczema, since broken skin gives the bacteria an easy way in. If you’ve noticed a similar crusty reaction following a bite, our guide on infected skin bites covers how to tell the difference and when it needs attention.

Is Impetigo Contagious and How Does It Spread

Impetigo is caused by staphylococcus or streptococcus bacteria and spreads very easily, particularly among young children in close contact settings like nurseries and schools. It passes through:

• Direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person
• Touching contaminated towels, flannels, clothing, or bedding
• Touching a toy or surface an infected child has handled, then touching your own face

Because it spreads so readily, good hygiene matters while the infection is active. Avoid sharing towels or bedding, wash hands frequently, and try to keep sores covered where possible.

When a Child Can Return to School

Under UK Health Security Agency school infection guidance, a child with impetigo should stay off school or nursery until either the sores have crusted over and healed, or until 48 hours have passed since starting antibiotic treatment, whichever comes first. This exclusion period exists specifically to stop the infection spreading to classmates, since impetigo moves quickly through group settings where children have close contact. If sores are still weeping and untreated, it’s best to keep your child at home.

How Impetigo Is Treated

Treatment aims to clear the bacterial infection and stop it spreading further. For mild, localised impetigo, a topical antibiotic applied directly to the affected skin is usually enough. More widespread infections may need a different approach, which a pharmacist or GP will assess and advise on. For any specific guidance on medication or dosage, visit our website at Burnham Health Pharmacy or speak to our team directly, since this varies depending on age, severity, and individual health history.

Alongside treatment, simple self-care steps help recovery:

• Gently wash affected areas with clean water and pat dry
• Avoid scratching or touching the sores, then touching other parts of the body
• Wash hands thoroughly after any contact with the affected skin
• Use separate towels and flannels until the infection has cleared

What NHS Pharmacy First Offers for Impetigo

The NHS Pharmacy First service allows trained pharmacists to assess and treat impetigo directly, without needing a referral or a separate GP appointment. If a pharmacist confirms the infection is impetigo and it’s suitable for pharmacy management, they can offer treatment on the spot, saving time and freeing up appointments for people who need a GP more urgently. Full details on eligibility and what to expect during a consultation are on our Impetigo NHS service page. You can also browse the wider range of conditions we support through our NHS Services page, including other Pharmacy First conditions such as shingles.

When to See a GP Instead of a Pharmacist

Most cases of impetigo are straightforward and suit pharmacy treatment, but a GP appointment may be more appropriate if:

• The infection is widespread or covers a large area of skin
• Symptoms don’t improve after a course of treatment
• The person has a weakened immune system or another underlying condition
• There are signs of a more serious infection, such as fever, spreading redness, or feeling generally unwell
• The affected person is a very young baby

A pharmacist will usually flag any of these signs during a consultation and redirect you to a GP or urgent care where needed, so starting with a pharmacy visit is rarely the wrong move.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long before a child can go back to school?

Once sores have fully crusted over and dried, or 48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment, whichever happens first.

Can impetigo come back after treatment?

Yes, it’s possible to get impetigo again, particularly if there’s ongoing skin contact with someone who’s infected, or if the skin barrier is repeatedly broken (for example, through eczema or insect bites).

Is it safe to share towels once treated?

Once the sores have fully healed and crusts have gone, the infection risk has passed and normal towel sharing is fine. During active infection, it’s best to keep towels and flannels separate.

Does impetigo leave scarring?

Impetigo typically heals without scarring, especially with prompt treatment. Scratching the sores increases the risk of marks or secondary infection, so keeping the area clean and undisturbed helps.

Can a pharmacist treat impetigo without a GP referral?

Yes. Through the NHS Pharmacy First service, a pharmacist can assess and treat suitable cases of impetigo directly, without a GP referral being needed first.

Can adults get impetigo?

Yes, although it’s more common in children, adults can develop impetigo too, particularly through close contact with an infected child or through broken skin.

How long does impetigo take to heal?

With appropriate treatment, impetigo generally clears up within 7 to 10 days.

Is impetigo the same as cold sores?

No. Cold sores are caused by a virus and typically appear around the lips, while impetigo is a bacterial infection that can appear anywhere on exposed skin and has a distinct honey-coloured crust.

Get Fast, Convenient Treatment Today

Noticing a crusty, spreading rash on yourself or your child can be worrying, especially with school or work on the horizon. The good news is you don’t need to wait for a GP appointment to get it sorted. Through the NHS Pharmacy First service, our experienced pharmacists at Burnham Health Pharmacy can assess your symptoms and start treatment the same day, helping you or your little one feel better and get back to normal routines as quickly as possible. Simply book a convenient time through our online booking.