NHS Pharmacy First: Help for Impetigo in Children Aged 1 and Older

Seeing your child with red, sore patches on their skin can be worrying. If these patches worsen quickly and form golden crusts, it might be impetigo — a common and highly contagious skin infection in children. While impetigo is not usually serious, it can be uncomfortable and spread quickly without treatment.

The NHS Pharmacy First service at South Ealing Pharmacy is here to help families in Ealing get advice and treatment for impetigo easily. This service is available for children aged 1 year and older, making it a convenient option for parents to access professional support. Read on to learn more about impetigo, how it’s treated, and how to stop it from spreading.

What Is Impetigo?

Impetigo is a bacterial infection of the skin, commonly seen in children. It develops when bacteria enter the skin through small cuts, scratches, or other minor injuries. Impetigo spreads easily, especially among young children, but with prompt care, it can be treated effectively.

Types of Impetigo

Non-Bullous Impetigo: The most common type, starting as red sores that burst and form a yellowish crust.

Bullous Impetigo: Less common, with larger, fluid-filled blisters that pop and leave raw areas.

Symptoms to Watch For

• Red sores or blisters, often around the nose, mouth, hands, or legs
• Yellow or golden crusts after sores burst
• Itchy or sore skin
• Swollen glands near the infected area
• Sometimes a mild fever

How Does Impetigo Spread?

Impetigo is highly contagious and spreads through:

Direct Contact: Touching the sores or fluid from the blisters.

Shared Items: Using towels, toys, or bedding that have been in contact with the infection.

Scratching: The bacteria can transfer to other parts of the body if the sores are scratched.

Treating impetigo quickly is key to preventing its spread to others in your household or community.

What Causes Impetigo?

Impetigo is caused by bacteria, usually Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. These bacteria can enter the skin through:

• Cuts or grazes
• Insect bites
• Pre-existing skin conditions like eczema

It’s more common in warm weather and crowded places like nurseries and schools.

What should parents do if they suspect Impetigo?

If your child is aged 1 year or older and you think they may have impetigo, it’s important to act quickly to manage the infection. The NHS Pharmacy First service at South Ealing Pharmacy offers professional support and treatment options.

How the NHS Pharmacy First Service Helps

The NHS Pharmacy First service is designed to provide quick, professional advice and treatment for minor health concerns, including impetigo, without needing a GP appointment.

What to Expect During a Visit:

Assessment: Our pharmacist will examine your child’s symptoms and ask about their medical history.

Treatment Advice: If impetigo is confirmed, the pharmacist can recommend or prescribe antibacterial creams to treat the infection.

Prevention Tips: You’ll receive guidance on how to stop the infection from spreading.

Referral if Necessary: For severe or recurring cases, the pharmacist will recommend contacting your GP.

This service is accessible, professional, and tailored for children aged 1 year and older.

How Is Impetigo Treated?

Treating impetigo usually involves:

Antibacterial Creams or Ointments: These are applied to the affected areas to kill bacteria and prevent spreading.

Oral Antibiotics: For more severe infections, your GP may prescribe antibiotics in tablet or syrup form.

With treatment, most cases clear up within 7–10 days.

Tips to Prevent the Spread of Impetigo

To protect your family and others:

• Keep Sores Covered: Use loose clothing or bandages to cover the infected area.
• Wash Hands Frequently: Encourage your child to wash their hands regularly with soap and water.
• Avoid Sharing Items: Towels, bedding, and toys should not be shared until the infection has cleared.
• Clean Surfaces: Wipe down surfaces your child touches, like toys, door handles, and furniture.

Your child should also stay home from school or nursery for at least 48 hours after starting treatment to avoid spreading the infection.

When to Seek More Help

While most cases of impetigo clear up with treatment, contact a GP if:

• The sores are spreading quickly.
• The infection seems very painful or swollen.
• Your child has a fever or feels generally unwell.
• The impetigo doesn’t improve after a few days of treatment.

Why Use the NHS Pharmacy First Service?

The NHS Pharmacy First service is a convenient, quick option for parents of children aged 1 year and older. It allows you to get professional advice and treatment without needing to book a GP appointment.

Book an Appointment Online

If your child is aged 1 or older and showing signs of impetigo, you can book an appointment online with South Ealing Pharmacy. Booking is quick and ensures you’ll be seen promptly by a trained pharmacist.