Impetigo Treatment and Advice
What Is Impetigo?
Impetigo is a common bacterial skin infection, and it’s a lot more contagious than most people realise. It’s caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes, the same bacteria behind plenty of other minor skin complaints, and it tends to take hold wherever the skin is already broken, such as a cut, a graze, an insect bite or a patch of eczema.
You’ll usually see it around the nose and mouth, since children (and quite a few adults) can’t resist touching their faces, but it can crop up on the hands, arms or legs just as easily. It spreads quickly through direct contact, so shared towels, flannels and bedding are often the culprit when it passes between family members.
What Does Impetigo Look Like?
Impetigo has a distinctive look once it takes hold, and the signs tend to develop quickly:
– Small red sores that burst and weep a clear or straw-coloured fluid
– A golden, honey-coloured crust forming over the sores as they dry out
– An itchy patch of skin, which makes it tempting (and risky) to scratch
– Fluid-filled blisters that can spread outward if left untouched
– Soreness or tenderness around the affected area
Can You Manage Impetigo At Home?
If it’s a small, mild patch, there’s a fair bit you can do yourself before it needs a pharmacist’s attention:
– Keep it clean: wash the area gently with warm water and soap, and pat it dry rather than rubbing it
– Hands off: keep nails short and try to avoid scratching, since this is how impetigo spreads to other parts of the body
– Cover it up: a light dressing or gauze stops sores brushing against clothing or other people
– Don’t share: towels, flannels, cutlery and bedding should be kept separate until it’s cleared up
That said, impetigo rarely clears up on its own without some form of treatment, so if it hasn’t started improving within a few days, it’s worth getting it looked at properly.
How S&S Chemists Can Help
Impetigo is covered under the NHS Pharmacy First scheme, which means you can walk in and get it assessed without needing to book a GP appointment first. We are conveniently located on Hillside and Harrow Road, easily accessible from Ealing, Acton, Notting Hill, Harlesden, Harrow, Wembley, Neasden and Cricklewood.
Once one of our pharmacists has had a look, we can offer:
– Antibiotic treatment: topical or oral antibiotics, depending on how widespread the infection is
– Stronger prescription creams: for cases that haven’t responded to over-the-counter options
– Honest, practical advice: on caring for the skin while it heals and stopping it spreading to others in the household
When Should You Come And See Us?
It’s worth popping in sooner rather than later if:
– The rash is spreading, getting worse, or hasn’t improved after a few days of home care
– You’ve developed a fever or the lymph glands nearby feel swollen
– It’s affecting a baby, a pregnant woman, or someone with a weakened immune system
– You’re simply not sure whether it’s impetigo or something else entirely
Impetigo looks worse than it is in most cases, and with the right treatment it usually clears within a week or so. If you’re in Hillside, Harrow Road or anywhere nearby including Ealing, Acton, Notting Hill, Harlesden, Harrow, Wembley, Neasden and Cricklewood, drop into S&S Chemists and we’ll get you sorted.