Impetigo treatment in Southport — free NHS service

What is impetigo?

Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection that most commonly affects children, though adults can get it too. It causes red sores that quickly rupture and leave golden-yellow crusty patches. It’s very contagious and spreads through direct contact with the sores or contaminated items.

Under NHS Pharmacy First, our pharmacist can diagnose impetigo and prescribe antibiotic cream or tablets — without a GP appointment. We can also advise on how to prevent spreading it to other family members.

Symptoms of impetigo

• Red sores or blisters, usually around the nose, mouth, or hands
• Blisters that burst and leave a wet, weeping patch
• Golden or honey-coloured crusts that form over the sores
• Itching around the affected area
• Sores that spread quickly to nearby skin
• Swollen glands near the affected area (in some cases)

How we treat it

Treatment depends on the extent of the infection:

• Antibiotic cream (fusidic acid) — applied 3 times daily for 5–7 days. Used for small, localised patches.
• Oral antibiotics (flucloxacillin or erythromycin) — for more widespread infections or when cream alone is insufficient.
• Hygiene guidance — how to clean the sores, avoid spreading, and when the child can return to school.

Children with impetigo should stay off school or nursery until the sores have crusted over or 48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment.

What causes impetigo?

Impetigo is caused by two types of bacteria:

• Staphylococcus aureus — the most common cause in the UK
• Streptococcus pyogenes — often causes the more severe bullous (blistering) type

The bacteria can enter through a break in the skin — even a tiny cut, scratch, or insect bite. Impetigo spreads easily in schools and nurseries through skin contact and sharing towels or clothing.