Learn more about what causes the skin infection & how to prevent it from spreading
Impetigo is a skin infection that is usually found in young children, but it can affect people of all ages. Although impetigo can be unpleasant and is very contagious, it’s not a serious condition and can improve on its own over time. With treatment, impetigo can be cleared up more quickly.
What are the symptoms of impetigo?
Impetigo usually begins as red sores or blisters that appear on the skin. It normally appears on exposed areas of skin like your face, around your mouth and nose and your hands.
Eventually, these sores or blisters will burst, leaving crusty, golden-brown or yellow patches in their place.
You may find that these patches:
• Get bigger in size
• Spread to other parts of your body – such as your arms, waist and legs
• Become itchy or
• Become mildly painful
What causes it?
Impetigo develops when skin becomes infected with a certain type of bacteria. Usually, it infects skin that’s already damaged, like a cut, insect bite or any other form of break in healthy skin. However, in some circumstances it can develop because of another underlying skin condition, like headlice, scabies or eczema.
How do you to treat impetigo?
You should see your local pharmacist or your GP if you think you or your child may have impetigo.
You should also see your GP if you’ve:
• Had treatment for impetigo but your symptoms change or get worse
• Had impetigo before and it keeps returning
Before you visit your GP surgery or pharmacy, make your doctor, nurse or pharmacy team aware that you’re coming to discuss impetigo – as it is highly infectious, they might suggest a telephone consultation instead of an in-person visit.
Treatments for impetigo include:
• Antiseptic cream containing hydrogen peroxide
• Antibiotic cream
• Antibiotic tablets
You should continue to use or take the antibiotics until you finish the complete course of treatment even if the sores or patches begin to clear up. Your GP or pharmacist should also check it is not a sign of another more serious condition.
You can also access treatment through our Boots Online Doctor Impetigo Infection Service.* After completing an online consultation, a clinician will review your answers and provide advice and prescribe treatment if appropriate.
How can you stop impetigo from spreading?
Impetigo is highly contagious, easily spreading both to other parts of your body or to other people. It stops being contagious around 48 hours after you begin using hydrogen peroxide cream or antibiotics, or when the patches have dried out and crusted over (if you do not seek treatment).
In the meantime:
• Stay home from school or work
• Keep any sores, blisters and crusty patches clean and dry
• If possible, cover any patches with loose clothing or gauze bandages
• Wash your hands regularly
• Wash flannels, sheets and towels at a high temperature
• Wipe down or wash any toys your child has come into contact with using detergent and warm water
It’s also important that you:
• Don’t touch or scratch any sores, blisters or crusty patches to avoid scarring
• Don’t have any close contact with other children or those with diabetes or a weakened immune system
• Don’t share towels, sheet or flannels
• Don’t prepare food for other people
• Don’t go to the gym or play contact sports like football or netball
How to avoid impetigo?
As impetigo usually infects skin that is already damaged, try to keep scratches, cuts and insect bites clean by washing them with warm water and soap. It’s also a good idea to get treatment for other skin conditions like eczema that cause broken skin.
This will also help prevent impetigo from reoccurring after clearing up.
How can a pharmacist help?
Under the new NHS Pharmacy First Service*, our pharmacists are now equipped to provide support for impetigo.
No appointment is needed, and we can offer advice and treatment, including prescription medicines where appropriate, for individuals aged one and over who live in England. It's a convenient option to address minor health concerns without the need for a GP visit.
When you approach our pharmacy team, they may:
• Ask about your symptoms
• Give advice on how to manage impetigo symptoms effectively
• Recommend certain treatments for impetigo, if appropriate
• Refer you to another healthcare professional, such as your GP, for further support or advice if they feel this is necessary
Under the Pharmacy First scheme, individuals aged one year and over can access advice and treatment for impetigo at our pharmacies. However, certain exclusions apply, including bullous impetigo, a history of two or more episodes within the last 12 months, and pregnant women under 16.
Visit your local Boots pharmacy today for reliable guidance on managing impetigo symptoms and assistance under the NHS Pharmacy First scheme.
Please note, during busier times, a pharmacist may not be immediately available, and wait times can vary.
*Supply of treatment is subject to a suitability assessment. In most stores in England only. Subject to availability and store opening hours. Charges may apply.
