Impetigo & The NHS Pharmacy First Service
The Pharmacy First service allows community pharmacists in England to assess and treat common conditions – specifically impetigo – without the need for a GP appointment. This service offers a faster, more accessible route to expert care.
Who is this service for?
This specific clinical pathway for treating impetigo under Pharmacy First is available for children and adults.
Eligibility: Adults and children aged 1 year and over.
Condition: Suspected impetigo (a highly-contagious bacterial skin infection).
Recognising the symptoms
If you or your child are experiencing the following skin changes, a pharmacist can help:
Sores
Red sores that quickly burst and leave crusty, golden-brown patches (often looking like ‘cornflakes’ stuck to the skin).
Blisters
Fluid-filled blisters that burst and leave a thin, yellow crust.
Location
Commonly appears around the nose and mouth, but can spread to other parts of the body via touch.
Sensation
The affected area may be itchy or mildly painful.
How the service works
You can visit us at Saood Pharmacy with or without a GP referral.
Access: Please call us on 01189572687 or visit the form at the bottom of the page to check eligibility and book an appointment.
Consultation: You will have a private consultation with a highly trained pharmacist which includes taking a patient history.
Assessment: The pharmacist will examine the affected skin area and review symptoms to determine if it is a bacterial infection.
Treatment options
If the pharmacist confirms impetigo that requires treatment, they can supply medication directly.
Topical Creams: Antibiotic creams or ointments applied directly to the sores.
Oral Antibiotics: Liquid or tablet antibiotics may be prescribed for more widespread infections.
Self-Care Advice: Guidance on hygiene to prevent spreading the infection, such as not sharing towels or flannels and keeping fingernails short.
Note: If medication is prescribed, standard NHS prescription charges apply (unless the patient is exempt). Any over-the-counter medicines that are recommended to you will be sold at the usual recommended retail price.
Why visit Saood Pharmacy to treat Impetigo?
Convenience
Central town centre location with no need for a GP appointment.
Access
Faster, more accessible route to getting assessed and starting treatment quickly to prevent spread.
Expertise
Our pharmacy teams utilise their clinical expertise to provide reliable guidance on managing impetigo and selecting the most effective treatment options for your needs.
Advice and treatment for other common conditions in Saood pharmacy Reading
The Pharmacy First Clinical Pathways Service is an NHS service designed to offer
free advice and treatments to eligible patients for seven common conditions
including impetigo. Patients can access this service at Saood Pharmacy in Central
Reading. The additional six conditions covered by this service are:
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Earache
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Infected Insect Bites
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Shingles
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Sinusitis
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Sore Throat
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Uncomplicated UTI
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Book an appointment
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