Golden, crusting sores around the nose, mouth or hands? Impetigo is very common, very contagious — and very treatable. Our pharmacists can assess and treat it on the NHS for anyone aged 1 and over, usually at a single visit.
The NHS sets the criteria nationally — if you fall outside them, we will point you to the right service rather than turn you away.
Adults and children aged 1 and over.
In these cases we will refer you to your GP, NHS 111 or emergency care — whichever your symptoms need.
For localised impetigo, the first-line NHS treatment is a topical treatment applied to the sores. Where the infection is more widespread, we can supply oral antibiotics under the national protocol. You also leave with practical advice on stopping it spreading at home, nursery or school.
The consultation is free. If a prescription medicine is supplied, the standard NHS prescription charge (currently £9.90 per item) applies unless you are exempt — the same as at your GP.
No GP referral, no NHS registration needed. Just come in while we're open — or ring ahead to check the quietest time.
A trained pharmacist assesses your symptoms against the NHS criteria in our private consultation room — usually 10–15 minutes.
Where treatment is clinically appropriate, we supply it there and then — including prescription-only medicines under the national protocol.
Until the sores have crusted over and healed, or 48 hours after starting treatment — that is the standard NHS guidance, and treatment shortens it considerably.
Rarely — it is a surface skin infection that responds well to treatment. It spreads easily by touch though, so early treatment protects the rest of the household.
Usually not — localised impetigo is treated with a cream or ointment. Oral antibiotics are reserved for more widespread infection, which the pharmacist will judge at the assessment.
It can. Recurrent impetigo falls outside the pharmacy pathway and needs a GP review to look for an underlying cause — if that is you, we will say so and help arrange it.
Also treated free under NHS Pharmacy First: