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Pharmacist-led clinical assessment
Think You May Have Impetigo?
Get Assessed by a Pharmacist in Ormskirk
Impetigo is a contagious bacterial skin infection that commonly causes sores or blisters which can develop characteristic crusting. If you or your child has symptoms that could be impetigo, our pharmacist can assess the symptoms and advise on the most appropriate next step. Depending on eligibility and clinical assessment, treatment may be available through NHS Pharmacy First or another appropriate pharmacist-led pathway.
Walk-in availability may also be offered where operationally available. Please contact us to check.
Could Your Impetigo Consultation Be Available Through NHS Pharmacy First?
Impetigo is included within NHS Pharmacy First clinical pathways for eligible patients. Current pathway information includes eligible adults and children aged 1 year and over, but age is only one part of eligibility. The pharmacist will assess your symptoms, medical history and relevant clinical factors. If the NHS route is appropriate, we will direct you to this NHS-funded pathway. Being outside eligibility does not automatically make private prescription treatment suitable.
Ask About Pharmacy FirstWhat Is Impetigo?
Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection that is contagious and can affect children and adults. It can occur on different body areas. A diagnosis matters because other skin conditions can sometimes look similar, so avoid relying on photographs or self-diagnosis alone.
Common Symptoms of Impetigo
Possible symptoms can include sores or blisters, characteristic crusting, itching, and lesions around the nose or mouth or elsewhere on the body. Not every crusted rash is impetigo. If you are not sure what the rash is, our pharmacist can assess your symptoms and decide whether pharmacist treatment is appropriate or whether you should be referred elsewhere.
Not Every Rash Is Impetigo
Eczema, contact dermatitis, cold sores, other skin infections and inflammatory skin conditions may resemble some aspects of impetigo. The pharmacist will consider the presentation rather than assuming a diagnosis from one feature alone.
Eczema TreatmentAllergic Reaction TreatmentCold Sore TreatmentAcne Treatment
How We Assess Suspected Impetigo
The pharmacist may ask about age, symptoms, when they started, location and extent, pain or itching, fever or feeling unwell, previous episodes, other skin conditions, medical history, allergies, current medicines, pregnancy or breastfeeding where relevant, and treatment already tried. Clinical assessment determines the appropriate pathway.
How Is Impetigo Treated?
Treatment depends on severity, extent, location, symptoms, age and current NICE and NHS guidance. Depending on the clinical situation, this can involve non-antibiotic or antibiotic approaches. The pharmacist will determine whether antimicrobial treatment is clinically appropriate; booking a consultation does not guarantee any particular medicine.
Check Pharmacy First EligibilityAntibiotics Aren't Always the Same Answer
Antibiotics should only be used when clinically appropriate. The pharmacist follows current clinical guidance when deciding whether treatment is required and which option is suitable. Please do not expect antibiotics simply because you have booked a consultation.
Impetigo in Children
Impetigo commonly affects children. Encourage hand hygiene, avoid scratching, do not share towels or flannels, and follow any treatment instructions. A pharmacist can assess whether the NHS Pharmacy First pathway is appropriate and advise when further medical assessment is needed.
Can Impetigo Spread to Other People?
Impetigo can spread through close contact and contaminated items. Wash hands, avoid unnecessary touching or scratching of lesions, do not share towels, and keep fingernails clean and short where appropriate. Follow sensible laundering and hygiene practices without excessive cleaning.
When Can I Go Back to School, Nursery or Work?
Current NHS advice is generally to stay away from school, nursery or work until the sores have dried and crusted, or for 48 hours after starting treatment if treatment has been prescribed. Ask the pharmacist if you are unsure what applies to your circumstances.
When Should I Seek Further Medical Help?
Seek prompt medical advice if the infection is rapidly worsening or spreading, extensive, significantly painful, recurrent, not improving as expected, or if the person feels systemically unwell, has significant underlying health conditions, is a very young child, or the rash is near vulnerable areas such as the eyes. For severe symptoms or an emergency, use NHS 111 or call 999 according to urgency.
What If I'm Not Eligible for NHS Pharmacy First?
Patients outside NHS Pharmacy First eligibility may be able to have a private pharmacist consultation where clinically and legally appropriate. This does not automatically mean a private prescription will be issued. If GP or urgent medical assessment is more appropriate, the patient should be referred rather than prescribed privately.
Your Impetigo Consultation
Clinical assessment
We will discuss symptoms and relevant medical history.
Choose the appropriate pathway
Where eligible, this may include NHS Pharmacy First; otherwise another appropriate clinical route may be considered.
Treatment or referral
Where clinically appropriate, treatment can be supplied or prescribed. If not, we will explain the next step.
Impetigo Assessment in Ormskirk
Pharmacist-led
Clinical assessment rather than simply choosing a product online.
NHS Pharmacy First
Eligible patients can be assessed through the appropriate NHS pathway.
Private pharmacist
An additional option may be available for appropriate patients outside NHS eligibility.
Treatment or referral
If pharmacist treatment is not appropriate, we will explain what to do next.
Local
Convenient Ormskirk town-centre pharmacy.
Impetigo questions
Think You or Your Child May Have Impetigo?
Speak to our pharmacist for an appropriate clinical assessment. Eligible patients may be able to access treatment through NHS Pharmacy First, while other appropriate patients may have alternative pharmacist-led options.
The Clocktower Pharmacy38 Burscough Street
Ormskirk
L39 2ES
01695 574118
Assessment and treatment are subject to current NHS eligibility criteria, clinical suitability and pharmacist assessment. A consultation does not guarantee that a medicine or antibiotic will be supplied or prescribed.