Impetigo Treatment in Wigan | Skin Infection Treatment | Wigan Road Pharmacy

Impetigo is a common and highly contagious skin infection that mainly affects young children, although it can occur at any age. It causes red sores and blisters that burst and form honey-coloured crusts, usually around the nose and mouth. At Wigan Road Pharmacy, we provide expert impetigo treatment through the NHS Pharmacy First scheme, offering fast and effective care without the need for a GP appointment.

What Is Impetigo?

Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. According to the NHS, it is very common in young children but can affect people of all ages.

There are two main types:

• Non-bullous impetigo: The most common type, causing red sores that burst and leave a golden crust.
• Bullous impetigo: Less common, causing large fluid-filled blisters, mainly in babies and young children.

Impetigo spreads easily through contact with sores or contaminated items such as towels and clothing. Early treatment helps prevent spread and speeds up recovery.

Symptoms of Impetigo

• Red sores or blisters that burst and form yellow-brown crusts
• Itching or soreness
• Sores spreading to other areas
• Swollen glands in some cases
• Fluid-filled blisters (bullous type)
• Mild fever or feeling unwell

Impetigo commonly appears on the face, especially around the nose and mouth, but can occur anywhere on the body.

What Causes Impetigo?

Impetigo occurs when bacteria enter the skin through cuts, insect bites, eczema, or other skin damage.

• Direct skin contact with an infected person
• Sharing contaminated items (towels, bedding, toys)
• Scratching infected areas

It is more common in warm conditions and among children in close-contact environments like schools and nurseries.

Impetigo in Children

Impetigo is most common in children aged 2–5 years. It spreads quickly if untreated.

Children should stay off school or nursery until:

• Sores have crusted over, or
• 48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment

Our pharmacists at Wigan Road Pharmacy can assess your child and provide appropriate treatment and advice.

How Is Impetigo Treated?

Impetigo is treated with antibiotics based on severity:

• Antibiotic cream (fusidic acid): For mild cases, applied 3 times daily for 5–7 days
• Oral antibiotics (flucloxacillin): For more severe or widespread infections

Through the NHS Pharmacy First scheme, our pharmacists can assess and prescribe treatment without a GP appointment.

Self-Care Tips

• Wash affected areas with warm soapy water
• Avoid sharing towels or bedding
• Wash hands regularly
• Avoid scratching sores
• Keep nails short
• Wash clothing and bedding at high temperatures

How to Prevent Impetigo

• Maintain good hygiene
• Clean and cover cuts or bites
• Avoid close contact with infected individuals
• Use separate towels for infected persons

When to Seek Medical Advice

• Symptoms not improving after 7 days
• Infection spreading
• High fever
• Skin becoming red, swollen, or painful

NHS Pharmacy First Impetigo Service

At Wigan Road Pharmacy, our pharmacists can:

• Assess your skin condition
• Provide antibiotic treatment
• Offer hygiene and care advice
• Refer you to a GP if needed

This service is free on the NHS and available without an appointment.

Why Choose Wigan Road Pharmacy?

• NHS Pharmacy First service available
• No appointment required
• Same-day treatment
• Private consultation rooms
• Expert pharmacist advice
• GP referral if necessary