Impetigo, a highly contagious bacterial infection, can affect people of all ages. However, children and young infants are at a higher risk. Thankfully, NHS Pharmacy First offers a FREE service for diagnosing and treating this and six other common health conditions. This service provides GP-level care and treatment without the usual lengthy wait times. It is important to be able to recognize the symptoms of impetigo, such as red sores, blisters, swollen lymph nodes, fever, and itchy skin, in order to receive prompt treatment. Knowing whether the impetigo is the Bullous or Non-bullous type can also help determine the best treatment options and reduce the risk of spreading the infection. Treatment usually involves topical or oral antibiotics, along with hygiene advice and over-the-counter medication to alleviate symptoms and prevent transmission.
Although impetigo is generally mild, it can lead to more serious conditions, such as cellulitis or scarlet fever. Individuals with weakened immune systems or existing skin conditions are particularly at risk. Being aware of the symptoms and actively managing the condition can greatly help reduce its impact on an individual's health.
