Impetigo Treatment
Noticed a crusty, blistering rash on your child or on your own skin? It could be impetigo. At Robertsons Pharmacy in Bradford, our qualified pharmacists can assess and treat impetigo for anyone aged 1 year and over as part of the free NHS Pharmacy First service. No GP appointment needed. Contact us today or walk in to either of our Bradford branches.
Who Can Be Treated at Robertsons Pharmacy?
Impetigo is one of seven conditions covered under the NHS Pharmacy First service. You do not need a GP referral. Simply walk into either of our Bradford branches, and our pharmacists will assess you directly.
| Condition | Eligible Age Range | Prescription Available? | Referral Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Impetigo | 1 year and over | Yes, if clinically appropriate | No |
If your pharmacist identifies symptoms outside the Pharmacy First pathway, they will refer you to the appropriate healthcare provider without delay. Not sure if your rash is impetigo? Contact our team, and we will advise you before your visit.
What is Impetigo?
Impetigo is a common and highly contagious bacterial skin infection, most often caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. It affects the surface of the skin, most commonly around the nose, mouth, and hands. While it is more frequently seen in young children, it can affect people of any age.
There are two main types. Non-bullous impetigo is the more common form and produces small blisters that burst quickly, leaving a golden-yellow crust. Bullous impetigo produces larger, fluid-filled blisters that are slower to burst and tend to affect the trunk, arms, and legs. Early treatment helps clear the infection faster and reduces the risk of passing it on to others.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Tap each item below to learn more about the symptoms of impetigo.
Red sores or blisters around the nose and mouth
These are usually the first signs of impetigo. They begin as small red spots that quickly develop into blisters, most often appearing on the face around the nose and mouth.
Golden or honey-coloured crusting
When the blisters burst, they leave behind a distinctive golden or honey-coloured crust. This is one of the most recognisable signs of non-bullous impetigo.
Itching and soreness around the affected area
The skin around the sores is often itchy and uncomfortable. Scratching can spread the infection to other parts of the body or to other people.
Larger fluid-filled blisters on the trunk or limbs
These larger blisters are associated with bullous impetigo. They are slower to burst and can appear on the chest, stomach, arms, and legs rather than the face.
Raw or red skin, once crusts fall away
As the infection heals, the crusts dry out and fall off, leaving behind skin that looks red and slightly raw. This usually heals fully without scarring.
Swollen lymph nodes near the affected area
In some cases, the lymph nodes closest to the infected area may become swollen and tender. This is more common in widespread or untreated infections.
Treatment Options for Impetigo
The treatment your pharmacist recommends will depend on the type of impetigo, how widespread it is, and your overall health. All decisions follow current NHS clinical guidelines developed as part of the Pharmacy First programme.
| Approach | When It Is Used | What It Involves |
|---|---|---|
| Self-care and hygiene advice | Very mild or localised infection | Guidance on cleaning the area, avoiding touching or scratching, and preventing spread |
| Topical antibiotic cream | Mild to moderate non-bullous impetigo in a small area | A prescription antibiotic cream is applied directly to the affected skin |
| Oral antibiotic | Widespread, bullous, or more severe impetigo | A short course of prescription antibiotic tablets or liquid supplied by the pharmacist |
| Onward referral | Red flag symptoms or conditions outside the pathway | Referral to GP, urgent care, or emergency services as appropriate |
When to seek urgent help: Go to A&E or call 999 if the affected area is rapidly spreading, the skin becomes very painful or swollen, or if you develop a high fever or feel very unwell. These may be signs of a deeper infection, such as cellulitis.
What Happens at Your Consultation
Every pharmacist completes 5 years of specialist training in medicines and minor illness management. At Robertsons Pharmacy, your impetigo consultation will be carried out in a private room and will include:
- A clinical assessment of your skin to confirm the type and severity of impetigo
- A prescription for topical or oral antibiotics, if clinically appropriate
- Hygiene and self-care advice to prevent spreading the infection to others
- Clear safety-netting guidance on what to watch for and when to seek further help
- A same-day or next working day notification sent to your GP
No appointment is needed. Walk into either of our Bradford branches at a time that suits you.
Stopping Impetigo from Spreading
Because impetigo is highly contagious, taking the right precautions during treatment is important:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after touching the affected area
- Do not share towels, flannels, or bedding with others
- Avoid touching or scratching the sores, and keep nails short
- Children should stay out of school or nursery until sores have crusted over, or 48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment
- Wash clothing, bedding, and towels at a high temperature
Visit Robertsons Pharmacy in Bradford
We have two convenient Bradford locations. No appointment is required for Pharmacy First consultations, and prescriptions are dispensed on site where needed.
| Branch | Address |
|---|---|
| Farrow Medical Centre | 175 Otley Road, Bradford, BD3 0HX |
| Hillside Bridge | Butler Street West, Bradford |
Concerned about a skin rash and not sure if it is impetigo? Call us on 01274 729170, email info@robertsonshb.co.uk, or contact us online, and one of our pharmacists will be happy to advise you.
Check If You Are Eligible for Pharmacy First
Find out if you qualify for our free NHS Pharmacy First service. Select your nearest Robertsons Pharmacy branch below to begin your eligibility check.
Farrow Medical Centre, Bradford
2 Butler Street West, Bradford
The check takes only a few minutes and will confirm whether you can be seen at your chosen branch for this service.