Login

{{ state !== 'success' ? "Request an appointment" : "Request Complete" }}

{{ state !== 'success' ? "To request an appointment with one of our pharmacies fill out the appointment request below along with a preferred date and a member of staff will be in touch to confirm your booking." : "A member of our branch team will be in touch direct to confirm your booking." }}

Back

Impetigo

Treat impetigo fast at Whitworth Walk-In Clinic

Do you or your child have red spots, sores or crusty patches on the face, hands or tummy? It could be a highly contagious skin infection called impetigo.

 What is impetigo?

Impetigo is a common skin infection that often affects both children and adults. It’s also highly contagious.

When treated, the symptoms usually clear up within a week of treatment or clear up on their own within a few weeks.

 

What are the symptoms of impetigo?

If you’re suffering from impetigo, you’ll develop red sores or blisters. They’re most likely to start on your hands, face or tummy.
These can be itchy or even painful and get bigger or spread to different parts of your body. Any blisters will quickly burst and leave yellowish scabs or crusty brown patches.

Get treatment today. Make an appointment at the Whitworth Walk In Clinic.

Find your local pharmacy

What are the causes of impetigo?

Impetigo is caused by a bacterial infection of the skin. The infection can start where there’s a break in the skin from things like insect bites, scratches or eczema.

The bacteria are highly contagious so it tends to spread in places where people are in close contact like schools and nurseries, or sports centres. This is why it’s extremely common in young children and is often caught by family members.

How is impetigo treated?

Impetigo can be treated easily with an antibiotic cream. If it’s very bad then you will be prescribed antibiotics. Even if it starts to clear up before you’ve finished the course of antibiotics, you must continue to use or take them as it could return.


You should also try to stay away from other people during the first 48 hours of developing the sores or blisters as this is when you’re most contagious. Don’t go to the gym, play contact sports, share towels or bedding or scratch the sores.

 

Also:

●       Wash your hands frequently

●       Keep your sores, blisters and crusty patches clean and dry

●       Cover them with loose clothing or gauze bandages

 

How can I avoid catching impetigo?

Since impetigo is very infectious, it’s important not to share creams or towels with someone who has it. It’s also very important to wash your hands thoroughly and wipe down any toys with detergent and water if your children have impetigo.

Frequently asked questions on impetigo:

  • Impetigo starts as red sores or blisters that burst and leave crusty yellow or brown patches that can look like cornflakes stuck to your skin.

  • If you believe you or your child has impetigo, you should visit our walk-in clinic or see your GP. They can examine your skin and prescribe an antibiotic cream.

  • Impetigo is highly infectious but with adequate antibiotic treatment, should stop being infectious after around 24 hours.

  • Your impetigo sores should be kept dry. Wash them every 8-12 hours then apply a clean waterproof dressing. Using saline solution or salty water can also help to dry them out.

  • No. Impetigo usually goes away within a few weeks. If you’re taking an antibiotic, you should see a response within 3-10 days.

Treat your impetigo.

Make your Walk In Clinic Appointment today at your local Whitworth pharmacy.

Click here to find you nearest pharmacy.