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Impetigo

Golden-crusted sores, common in children. Contagious, but quick to treat.

Speak to a GP about impetigoFrom £79

In short

Impetigo is a common, highly contagious skin infection, especially in children, that clears quickly with antibiotic treatment. A GP can confirm it, prescribe treatment, and advise on stopping it spreading.

Overview

What is impetigo?

Impetigo is a contagious bacterial skin infection that causes red sores or blisters which burst and form a characteristic golden-brown crust, often around the nose and mouth. It's most common in young children and spreads easily. It's not usually serious and responds quickly to antibiotic cream or tablets.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

  • Red sores or blisters, often around the nose and mouth
  • Sores that burst and form a golden-brown crust
  • Itching
  • Spreading to other areas or people with contact
  • Usually no fever in mild cases

When to act

When to see a doctor

Book a GP if you or your child have golden-crusted sores, especially if they're spreading. Seek urgent help for a rapidly spreading infection with fever, large blisters, or impetigo in a newborn.

When to seek urgent help

Seek urgent help if

  • Rapidly spreading infection with fever and feeling unwell
  • Large fluid-filled blisters, or a newborn with impetigo (urgent assessment)
  • Impetigo not improving after a few days of treatment

Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies or NHS 111 for urgent non-emergency advice.

Treatment

How a private GP can help

  • Diagnosis from the typical golden-crusted appearance
  • Prescription of antibiotic cream for localised impetigo
  • Oral antibiotics for widespread or more severe cases
  • Hygiene advice to stop it spreading (handwashing, not sharing towels)
  • Guidance on when children can return to school or nursery
  • Advice on treating any underlying skin condition (like eczema) that let it start

What we don't do

  • Hospital treatment of severe or complicated infection (referred on)
  • Investigation of recurrent impetigo for underlying causes (may need referral)

Pricing

What it costs

An online consultation about impetigo starts at £79 for a 20-minute video appointment. In-pharmacy consultations are £129 and home visits are £189. Your consultation includes one private prescription if appropriate, and a sick note for work if needed. You pay the pharmacy separately for any medication.

See full pricing breakdown

FAQ

Common questions about impetigo

Is impetigo contagious?
Yes, very. It spreads easily through contact and shared items. Wash hands often, don't share towels, and keep children off school or nursery until sores have crusted or 48 hours after starting antibiotics.
How is it treated?
Localised impetigo is treated with an antibiotic cream; more widespread cases need antibiotic tablets. It usually clears within a week of starting treatment.
Can adults get impetigo?
Yes, though it's most common in young children. It can also develop where the skin barrier is broken, for example in eczema.
When can my child go back to school?
Once the sores have dried and crusted over, or 48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment, whichever is sooner.
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Ready to talk to a GP about impetigo?

Message Emily on WhatsApp or book online in under 90 seconds. UK-registered doctors, available today.

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