Free same-day impetigo treatment in Putney

If you or your child has developed the tell-tale crusting, blistering, or weeping sores of impetigo, prompt treatment is important. Impetigo is highly contagious and can spread rapidly — both to other parts of the body and to other people — so acting quickly matters.

At Husbands Pharmacy in Putney, our qualified pharmacists can diagnose and treat impetigo on the same day through the NHS Pharmacy First service, completely free of charge. No GP appointment is needed, no referral is required, and prescription antibiotic treatment can be supplied directly by our pharmacist where clinically appropriate.

What is impetigo?

Impetigo is a common and highly contagious bacterial skin infection. It most frequently affects children, though adults can develop it too — particularly if they have a cut, graze, or other break in the skin that allows bacteria to enter.

The condition is caused by one of two types of bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. In some cases, both are present simultaneously. It most commonly appears on the face — particularly around the nose and mouth — but can develop anywhere on the body.

There are two main forms of impetigo:

Non-bullous impetigo is the most common type, accounting for around 70% of cases. It begins as small red sores that quickly burst and leave behind a distinctive golden-brown or honey-coloured crust. The affected area may be itchy but is rarely painful.

Bullous impetigo is less common and is caused specifically by Staphylococcus aureus. It produces larger fluid-filled blisters that are more likely to affect the trunk, arms, and legs. The blisters may be itchy or painful, and the surrounding skin is often red and inflamed.

Both forms of impetigo are treated effectively with antibiotics, and most people see significant improvement within 48 to 72 hours of starting treatment.

How does impetigo spread?

Impetigo is one of the most contagious common skin conditions. It spreads through direct contact with the fluid from blisters or sores, and through contact with contaminated surfaces such as towels, bedding, and clothing.

It can spread from one person to another very quickly in environments where people are in close contact — particularly schools, nurseries, and family households. It can also spread to other areas of an individual’s own body if sores are touched and then other skin surfaces are contacted without handwashing.

For this reason, children with impetigo are advised to stay away from school or nursery until 48 hours after antibiotic treatment has begun, or until all sores have crusted over and dried completely. Good hygiene practices — including frequent handwashing and avoiding sharing personal items — are essential during treatment.

How NHS Pharmacy First can help with impetigo

Through the NHS Pharmacy First service, our Putney pharmacists are trained and authorised to diagnose impetigo on clinical assessment and provide antibiotic treatment without the need for a GP appointment.

Impetigo is typically diagnosed by visual examination — an experienced pharmacist can identify the condition from its characteristic appearance in most cases. Our pharmacist will assess the affected area, confirm the diagnosis, and determine the most appropriate treatment based on the extent and type of infection.

Depending on the clinical assessment, treatment may include:

• Topical antibiotic cream (such as fusidic acid) for localised, mild-to-moderate non-bullous impetigo
• Oral antibiotics (such as flucloxacillin or cefalexin) for more widespread infection, bullous impetigo, or cases where topical treatment is unlikely to be sufficient
• Advice on hygiene measures to prevent spread within the household
• Guidance on when your child can return to school or nursery
• Clear information on what to expect during recovery and when to seek further care

All medication supplied through the Pharmacy First service is free of charge on the NHS.

Who is eligible for impetigo treatment through Pharmacy First?

The NHS Pharmacy First impetigo pathway is available to patients of all ages — both children and adults. You do not need to be registered with a local GP to access the service, and no referral is required.

The service is appropriate for cases of non-bullous and bullous impetigo that are suitable for management in a community pharmacy setting. If our pharmacist identifies features that suggest a more serious skin infection, a systemic illness, or a condition outside the scope of Pharmacy First, they will refer you to a GP or other appropriate healthcare professional promptly.

When should I seek urgent care instead?

Most cases of impetigo are straightforward and can be managed safely through the Pharmacy First service. However, you should seek urgent medical attention — by contacting your GP, calling NHS 111, or attending A&E — if you or your child experience any of the following alongside the skin infection:

• High fever or signs of feeling very unwell
• Rapidly spreading redness, warmth, or swelling beyond the original sore
• Significant pain or tenderness in the skin around the affected area
• Slymph nodes (glands) in the neck, armpits, or groin
• Symptoms of a more serious skin infection such as cellulitis

These symptoms may indicate that the infection has spread beyond the skin surface and requires more urgent assessment and treatment.

Why choose Husbands Pharmacy in Putney?

Parents and patients across Putney trust Husbands Pharmacy for fast, professional, and discreet treatment of skin conditions including impetigo. Here is why:

Same-day appointments available. Because impetigo is contagious and can spread quickly, early treatment matters. We offer same-day availability so you are not left waiting.

Experienced clinical pharmacists. Our team is trained in the visual diagnosis of skin conditions and can identify impetigo confidently, prescribing the right treatment first time.

Private consultation room. All Pharmacy First assessments take place in a private room — not at the dispensary counter — so you and your child can be examined discreetly and comfortably.

Prescription treatment on the spot. If antibiotics are clinically indicated, our pharmacist can supply them immediately — no need to take a prescription to a separate dispensary.

Completely free on the NHS. Both the consultation and any prescribed medication are free of charge for eligible NHS patients.

School and nursery guidance included. Our pharmacists will provide clear, up-to-date advice on when it is safe for your child to return to school or nursery, in line with current NHS guidelines.

No GP registration required. You do not need to be registered with a Putney GP practice to use this service.

How to book your impetigo consultation in Putney

Check the symptoms. If you or your child has sores, blisters, or golden crusting consistent with impetigo, the Pharmacy First service can help.
Book your appointment. Use our online booking system to arrange a same-day or next-available appointment at Husbands Pharmacy Putney.
Attend the consultation. Our pharmacist will examine the affected area in a private consultation room and confirm the diagnosis.
Receive your treatment. Antibiotic treatment — topical or oral — will be supplied on the same day where clinically appropriate, free of charge.

Frequently asked questions

Can impetigo be treated without antibiotics?
Mild cases of impetigo may resolve on their own, but antibiotic treatment significantly speeds up recovery and — critically — reduces the period during which the infection is contagious. Our pharmacists will advise on the most appropriate treatment based on your specific presentation.

How quickly will antibiotics work?
Most patients see a noticeable improvement within 48 to 72 hours of starting antibiotic treatment. The full course should always be completed, even if symptoms appear to resolve earlier.

When can my child go back to school?
Current NHS guidance advises that children with impetigo should stay away from school or nursery until 48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment, or until all sores have fully crusted over and dried — whichever comes first. Our pharmacist will confirm this guidance at the time of consultation.

Is impetigo dangerous?
In the vast majority of cases, impetigo is a mild infection that responds well to treatment. Rarely, complications can occur — including a kidney condition called post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. This is uncommon, and our pharmacist will advise on any warning signs to watch for during recovery.

Can adults get impetigo?
Yes. While impetigo is more common in children, adults can develop it — particularly around areas of broken skin such as cuts, grazes, eczema, or cold sores. The Pharmacy First service is available to adults as well as children.

What if I am not sure it is impetigo?
Impetigo can sometimes be confused with other skin conditions including cold sores, chickenpox, or eczema. If you are unsure, book an appointment and our pharmacist will assess the skin and advise accordingly.

Can I be seen at the weekend?
Please check our current opening hours on the Husbands Pharmacy website or contact our Putney branch directly for weekend and Bank Holiday availability.

Book your free impetigo consultation in Putney today

Do not let impetigo spread. Husbands Pharmacy in Putney provides fast, free, and clinically professional same-day consultations for impetigo — no GP appointment required, no referral needed.

Book or call our Putney branch to speak with our pharmacy team today.

Husbands Pharmacy Putney — delivering NHS Pharmacy First care across South West London.