NHS Pharmacy First clinical assessment and targeted antibiotic treatment for impetigo and contagious golden-crusted skin sores.
Impetigo is a highly contagious superficial bacterial skin infection, most common in young children but capable of affecting people of any age. It is primarily caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria entering through minor cuts, grazes, cold sores, or eczema patches. Symptoms typically start with small red sores or blisters, most frequently around the nose and mouth or on hands and forearms. These blisters burst leaving characteristic moist, golden-brown or honey-colored crusty patches that can spread rapidly. Impetigo can be non-bullous (golden crusted, most common) or bullous (larger, fluid-filled painless blisters that persist for several days). Under the NHS Pharmacy First service, an accredited pharmacist evaluates the skin lesions. If impetigo is confirmed, the pharmacist can supply targeted topical antimicrobial ointments (such as Hydrogen Peroxide 1% cream or Fusidic acid) or oral antibiotics (such as Flucloxacillin) for widespread or bullous infections, in accordance with NHS national clinical guidance.
Your consultation is carried out in a soundproof, private consultation suite by a qualified healthcare professional.
Your consultation begins in a soundproof, private clinic room inside the pharmacy. Your pharmacist reviews your symptom history, existing medications, and individual requirements.
Your clinician carries out diagnostic checks or vital signs triage tailored to Impetigo in line with UK clinical standards and NICE protocols.
If clinically appropriate under the NHS specification, treatments or prescription medicines are dispensed directly at the pharmacy counter.
You will receive comprehensive instructions on recovery, expected timelines, and when to seek medical advice. An electronic clinical notification is shared with your registered NHS GP practice.
If symptoms persist, fail to improve within the expected timeframe, or if regular monitoring is required, book a follow-up consultation with your pharmacy team or contact your GP.
This consultation is delivered under an NHS commissioning framework. It is free for qualifying patients meeting national clinical eligibility criteria. It is not an unrestricted free service for all conditions or non-qualifying demographics.
No consultation fee is charged for qualifying NHS patients. Standard NHS prescription exemption rules apply if medications are dispensed.
2 TADWORTH PARADE, ELM PARK, HORNCHURCH • RM12 5AS
197-199 ROMAN ROAD, LONDON, BETHNAL GREEN, E2 0QY, LONDON • E2 0QY
10 derwent parade, South ockendon • RM155EE
376 BARKING ROAD, PLAISTOW, LONDON • E13 8HL
THE CROSS, EASTRY, SANDWICH • CT13 0HG
625-627 ROMAN ROAD, LONDON • E3 2RN
NEW VALLEY ROAD, EXWICK EX4 2AD, EXETER • EX4 2AD
418 WHITMORE WAY, BASILDON • SS14 2HB
Follow these simple steps before attending the clinic:
Clinical advice for ongoing recovery and support:
Clinical guidance on consultations, eligibility, and prescription dispensing.
NextDoorClinic content is developed in collaboration with registered UK pharmacy prescribers and based on evidence-based UK clinical commissioning standards and clinical practice guidance:
