Impetigo pharmacy treatment: practical guidance

Impetigo is a superficial bacterial infection that commonly affects exposed skin. Small blisters or red sores may leak fluid and develop a sticky crust. It can spread from one area to another through fingers, towels, bedding and close contact. The appearance can overlap with infected eczema, including atopic dermatitis, or other causes of skin crusting. A pharmacist can ask about the site, number of areas, symptoms and health history before recommending a next step.

Clean hands before and after care. Wash the skin gently, loosen surface crusts rather than scraping them, dry with a fresh towel and cover sores where practical. Follow the product directions exactly if a pharmacist recommends a topical antibiotic therapy, and stop to seek advice if irritation develops. Never share the medicine, use someone else’s prescription or apply it inside the eye. Launder towels and clothing, and avoid swimming or close skin contact while lesions are wet or uncovered.

Contact a clinician if lesions are numerous, rapidly spreading, deeply painful, recurrent or located close to the eye. Fever, swollen glands, marked redness, increasing warmth or feeling significantly unwell also warrant prompt review. A person with diabetes, immune suppression or a very young infant should obtain medical advice early. The clinician may choose oral antibiotics for a skin infection when local treatment cannot reasonably cover the affected areas.

Ask which signs would mean the medicine is not working, how long to continue the course, and how to protect household members. Confirm whether an eczema flare needs separate treatment, whether school or work attendance should change, and what to do if the rash returns after clearing.