NHS Pharmacy First

Impetigo: NHS Pharmacy First

If you or your child has sores that might be impetigo, a pharmacist can assess you through the NHS Pharmacy First service. The service is for people aged 1 and over. Video consultations are for people aged 16 and over; under-16s are seen in our Bury pharmacy.

The consultation is free. If you normally pay for prescriptions, the standard NHS prescription charge applies to any medicine supplied.

Book a free NHS video consultationCall 0161 222 1024Visit us
Hassan Khan MPharm, Pharmacist Independent Prescriber (GPhC 2067135)
Bury Healthcare Pharmacy · GPhC-registered pharmacy 1126145 · Reviewed October 2026

Who can use this service

You can use Pharmacy First for impetigo if you are 1 or over and have a small number of sores (usually 4 or fewer patches).

The pharmacist will refer you to your GP or another service instead if, for example, you:

  • have widespread sores, or large fluid-filled blisters
  • keep getting impetigo
  • have a weakened immune system
  • are breastfeeding and have sores on your breast
  • are asking about a baby under 12 months

Symptoms of impetigo

  • red sores or blisters, often around the nose and mouth, but they can be anywhere on the body
  • sores that burst and leave golden-brown crusts
  • sores that can be itchy and may spread
  • on brown or black skin, the redness can be harder to see

What happens in the consultation

The pharmacist asks about the sores, how long you’ve had them and your general health. By video, they look at the sores with you on camera. Depending on what they find, they may:

  • give you hygiene and self-care advice
  • supply an antiseptic cream or, in some cases, an antibiotic cream or tablets, where clinically appropriate
  • refer you to your GP or another service if you need further help

We tell your GP about your consultation on the same day or the next working day.

Things you can do to help

  • wash the sores gently with soap and water and pat them dry
  • don’t scratch or touch the sores, and keep nails short
  • wash your hands often
  • don’t share towels, flannels or bedding, and wash them on a hot wash
  • stay off school or work until the sores have crusted over, or for 48 hours after starting treatment

When to get urgent help

Get an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111 if the sores spread quickly, you feel unwell or have a high temperature, or the skin around the sores becomes hot, swollen and painful.

See your GP if your symptoms haven’t improved after 7 days of treatment, or the impetigo keeps coming back.

Frequently asked questions

What is impetigo?
Impetigo is a common skin infection caused by bacteria. It is very contagious but not usually serious, and it often gets better in 7 to 10 days with treatment.
Is impetigo contagious?
Yes. It spreads easily through touch and shared towels or bedding. You stop being contagious 48 hours after starting treatment, or once the sores have dried and crusted over.
How do you catch impetigo?
The bacteria get into the skin through a cut, bite or another skin problem such as eczema, or by touching someone who has it or things they have used.
Can adults get impetigo?
Yes. It is most common in young children, but anyone can get it.
What cream is used for impetigo?
It depends on how many sores you have. The pharmacist may suggest an antiseptic cream, or supply an antibiotic cream where clinically appropriate. Don’t use old creams you have at home without checking first.
Can my child use this service?
Children aged 1 to 15 can be seen in our Bury pharmacy. For a baby under 12 months, contact your GP or NHS 111.
NHS Pharmacy First

Speak to a pharmacist

Book a free NHS video consultation, call us on 0161 222 1024, or visit us at 46 Walmersley Road, Bury BL9 6DP. Video consultations: Monday to Friday 9am to 2pm and 3:30pm to 6pm; Saturday and Sunday 10am to 2pm and 3:30pm to 6pm. Pharmacy opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 2pm and 3:30pm to 7pm; Saturday and Sunday 10am to 2pm and 3:30pm to 6pm.

Book a free NHS video consultation

NHS Pharmacy First at Bury Healthcare Pharmacy
Other conditions: Urinary tract infection (UTI) · Sore throat · Sinusitis · Shingles · Infected insect bite · Ear infection

This page is general information about an NHS service and does not replace advice from your GP. Sources: NHS website condition and contraception pages; NHS England Pharmacy First and Pharmacy Contraception Service specifications.