Who this is for
Adults and children aged 1 and over. If you fall outside this, we can still give advice and point you to the right care.
About impetigo
Impetigo spreads easily, both across the skin and to other people. It is not usually serious, but treating it promptly and taking care with hygiene helps stop it spreading.
Symptoms and what to look out for
Common signs include:
- Red sores or blisters, often around the nose and mouth
- Sores that burst and leave golden-brown or honey-coloured crusts
- Itching, and sometimes soreness
- Patches that spread to other areas of skin
- It spreads easily to other people through close contact
For localised impetigo, treatment may be a hydrogen peroxide antiseptic cream or a topical antibiotic. More widespread or severe cases may need oral antibiotics or referral. Stay away from school or work until the sores have crusted and healed, or for 48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment.
When to get help urgently
Seek urgent help
Speak to us or your GP promptly if:
- The infection is widespread, or keeps coming back
- You or your child feel unwell or feverish
- The blisters are large and fluid-filled (bullous impetigo)
- The affected person is a baby
- It is not improving after a course of treatment
If the person is very unwell with a high temperature, call NHS 111.
What to expect from the consultation
You will be seen in our private consultation room — a room with a door, not the shop floor. The consultation itself is always free.
- The pharmacist will look at the affected skin and ask how it started and spread.
- They will advise on hygiene to stop it spreading to others.
- You may be given an antiseptic or antibiotic cream, and referred if it is widespread.
- They will tell you when it is safe to return to school or work.
If we supply a medicine and you pay for prescriptions, the standard NHS prescription charge applies — the same as at your GP. If you are exempt from prescription charges, it is free.
Book a consultation
Book a impetigo consultation
Choose how you would like to be seen. Both options use our online calendar — pick a time that suits you. Walk-ins are welcome too.
Phone consultation
Speak to a pharmacist over the phone. Good for advice and for situations that may not need a physical examination.
Face-to-face at the pharmacy
Come in and be seen in our private consultation room at 44 Malabar Road. Best if we may need to examine you.
Prefer to talk to us first? Call 0116 360 2000.
Sources
The information on this page is based on current NHS and NICE guidance for Pharmacy First:
Guidance reviewed for this page in September 2026. Always follow the advice of the pharmacist who assesses you.
This page is general information
It isn't a substitute for advice from a pharmacist or doctor about your own health. Please read our disclaimer. If you're unwell and need urgent help, call NHS 111; in an emergency call 999.