Impetigo
Impetigo Treatment at Ham Pharmacy Group in Richmond & Kingston
Impetigo is a common skin infection that is highly contagious but usually not serious. It most often affects young children, though impetigo in adults is also possible, especially if the skin barrier is weakened. The good news is that with the right care, impetigo usually clears up quickly. At Ham Pharmacy Group, our pharmacists at Ham Parade Pharmacy, Ham Common Pharmacy, and Ham Village Pharmacy provide fast and effective impetigo treatment through the NHS Pharmacy First scheme. This means you can access professional care without needing to wait for a GP appointment.
What is Impetigo and its Symptoms?
Impetigo often begins with small red sores or blisters in the early stages. These quickly burst and form golden-brown, crusty patches that may look like cornflakes stuck to the skin. Common impetigo symptoms include:
- Itchy or painful sores
- Blisters that ooze yellow fluid before scabbing over
- Patches most often around the nose, mouth, or hands
While uncomfortable and contagious, impetigo is rarely serious and often improves within a week when treated.
Is Impetigo Contagious?
Yes. Impetigo spreads easily through:
- Skin-to-skin contact
- Shared items such as towels, bedding, or toys
To help stop it spreading:
- Stay home from school, nursery, or work until you’re no longer contagious.
- Wash your hands regularly, especially after applying treatment.
- Avoid sharing personal items.
- Don’t scratch or pick at sores.
Impetigo usually stops being contagious 48 hours after starting treatment, or once sores have dried and crusted over.
What Causes Impetigo?
Impetigo causes include bacteria entering the skin through cuts, scrapes, insect bites, or skin conditions like eczema. While children are most commonly affected, adults can also develop impetigo — especially if their immune system is lowered or their skin is damaged.
Impetigo Treatment at the Pharmacy
Through Pharmacy First, our trained pharmacists can:
- Assess your symptoms and confirm if you have impetigo.
- Provide suitable treatments such as hydrogen peroxide cream or antibiotic creams/tablets.
- Refer you to a GP if further care is required.
Treatment is important not just to speed up recovery but also to prevent the infection from spreading to others. Always complete your full course of prescribed medication, even if symptoms improve quickly.
Why Choose Ham Pharmacy Group?
- Experienced pharmacists offering expert, personalised care
- Three local branches: Ham Common Pharmacy, Ham Village Pharmacy, and Ham Parade Pharmacy
- Trusted provider in Richmond and Kingston
- We also serve residents from nearby areas, including Teddington, New Malden, Surbiton, Twickenham, Isleworth, Hampton, Molesey, Thames Ditton, Long Ditton, Tolworth, Sunbury-on-Thames, Walton-on-Thames, Esher, Hersham, and Worcester Park.
Book Your Pharmacy First Appointment
Don’t let impetigo spread or cause unnecessary discomfort. Visit us at any of our pharmacies – Ham Parade, Ham Common, or Ham Village – today for quick and effective impetigo treatment through the NHS Pharmacy First scheme.
FAQs
It usually begins with red sores or blisters that burst and form golden crusts.
With treatment, it often clears within a week. Without treatment, it may last several weeks.
Yes. It spreads easily but stops being contagious 48 hours after starting treatment.
Bacteria entering broken skin due to cuts, insect bites, eczema, or other skin damage.
At Ham Parade, Ham Common, and Ham Village Pharmacies under Pharmacy First.
