Impetigo
NHS Pharmacy First Impetigo Service
at Whittington Pharmacy | Lichfield & Staffordshire
Get same-day access to NHS impetigo treatment for patients aged 1 year and over at Whittington Pharmacy. Walk-in, book online, or request a remote consultation - all through your trusted local pharmacy Lichfield.
How to Access the Pharmacy First Impetigo Service
What is Impetigo?
Impetigo is one of the most common bacterial skin infections, often seen in children but it can affect people of all ages. It usually appears around the mouth or nose, but can spread to other areas of the body.
The condition spreads quickly through close contact, but with the right treatment it can clear within a week to 10 days. Because impetigo is highly contagious, early assessment and treatment are important to stop it passing on to family members, classmates, or colleagues.
What are the symptoms of Impetigo?
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Red sores or blisters that break and form a golden-yellow crust
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Itching or irritation, sometimes with mild pain
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Clusters of small spots around the nose, mouth, or hands
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New patches appearing in different areas if untreated
Impetigo Assessment & Treatment at Whittington Pharmacy
Under the Pharmacy First service, if you are over 1 year old you don’t need to wait for a GP appointment to get help with impetigo. Our trained pharmacists in Lichfield can:
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Carry out a free NHS consultation in person or by secure video link
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Provide prescription-only antibiotic creams or tablets if appropriate
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Offer expert advice on reducing spread and looking after the skin
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Refer you to your GP or NHS urgent care if further assessment is needed
If you usually pay for prescriptions, the standard NHS prescription charge (£9.90) applies. If you’re exempt, treatment is free.
Important: Seek urgent medical help if your child or you develop spreading redness of the skin, fever, or feel unwell, as this may require immediate GP or hospital care.
3 Simple Steps to Get Free NHS Impetigo Treatment in Lichfield
Attend your appointment in Lichfield or via remote consultation
Our pharmacist can assess your symptoms and provide same-day NHS treatment if suitable.
Step 1: Book or Walk-in
Pop into Whittington Pharmacy, book online, or choose a remote consultation.
Step 2: Assessment & Health Review
Our pharmacist reviews your symptoms, medical history, and whether NHS impetigo treatment is suitable.
Step 3: Treatment or Referral
If suitable, you’ll receive same-day treatment for impetigo. If not, we’ll refer you to your GP or another NHS service.
Pharmacy First - Impetigo: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a GP referral?
No, you can come directly to Whittington Pharmacy for free NHS impetigo treatment.
Q: Is the consultation really free?
Yes – the consultation is provided under the NHS Pharmacy First scheme. You’ll only pay the standard prescription charge if you normally pay for NHS prescriptions.
Q: Do I always get antibiotics - cream or tablets?
Not in every case. Our pharmacist will decide if antibiotics are needed – sometimes self-care advice alone is best.
Q: How long does impetigo last?
With treatment, most cases clear within 7–10 days. Without treatment, it may last longer and spread to others.
Q: What age group is eligible?
We can treat patients aged 1 year and over with suspected impetigo.
Useful Links
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Learn more about impetigo on the NHS website:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/impetigo/
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Check if you can get free NHS prescriptions here:
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions/check-if-you-can-get-free-prescriptions/
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Read official information about the Pharmacy First service on NHS England:
https://www.england.nhs.uk/primary-care/pharmacy/pharmacy-services/pharmacy-first/
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View Whittington Pharmacy’s NHS profile online:
https://www.nhs.uk/services/pharmacy/whittington-pharmacy/FJN59
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Book an Impetigo Consultation at Whittington Pharmacy here:
Click HERE