Pharmacy First at Adell Pharmacy in Hillingdon for Impetigo Treatment
Impetigo is a common skin infection that can cause red sores and blisters, usually affecting young children but also seen in adults. If you or your child have developed signs of impetigo, prompt treatment is essential to prevent the infection from spreading further. At Adell Pharmacy in Hillingdon, we offer impetigo treatment as part of the Pharmacy First service, making it quick and easy to get the care you need without waiting for a GP appointment.
Our Pharmacy First service helps to reduce the strain on local GP surgeries and hospitals by providing professional, expert care directly from our pharmacy for common conditions such as Impetigo. This ensures that these minor conditions can be treated swiftly and effectively, right in the heart of your community.
What Is Impetigo?
Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection caused by either Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes, often referred to as Group A Streptococcus (GAS). It often starts with red sores, which can quickly develop into blisters that burst and form a yellow-brown crust. It most commonly affects:
- Children between the ages of 2-5, as they are more likely to come into contact with bacteria during play.
- Adults, particularly those who have pre-existing skin conditions such as eczema or are in close contact with infected individuals.
Impetigo typically occurs on exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, hands, and legs, though it can spread to other areas.
Symptoms of Impetigo
It’s important to recognise the signs of impetigo early so you can seek treatment and prevent it from spreading. Common symptoms include:
- Red sores or blisters: These may start as small, itchy red spots and develop into fluid-filled blisters that can burst, leaving behind a yellowish crust.
- Itchiness: Impetigo sores can be itchy, which increases the risk of spreading the infection if scratched.
- Painless sores: Despite the appearance, the sores are generally painless but can be tender to the touch.
- Rapid spread: Without treatment, the infection can quickly spread to other parts of the body or to others through direct contact.
Impetigo can be classified into two main types: non-bullous impetigo, which is the most common and involves smaller sores, and bullous impetigo, which is more likely to cause larger blisters. Both types are contagious, and seeking treatment early is essential to limit the spread.
How Adell Pharmacy Can Help with Impetigo Treatment
At Adell Pharmacy in Hillingdon, we offer fast and effective treatment for impetigo through our Pharmacy First service. You don’t need a doctor’s appointment – just visit our pharmacy, and our highly trained pharmacists will assess your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
1. Professional Assessment
Our pharmacists are experienced in diagnosing and treating minor skin infections like impetigo. We will assess the severity of the infection and advise on the best course of action. Whether the infection is in its early stages or has progressed, we’ll help you understand the treatment options available.
2. Prescribed Treatments
For mild to moderate cases of impetigo, our pharmacists may recommend:
- Topical antibiotics: These are applied directly to the affected area to treat the infection and stop its spread.
- Oral antibiotics: If the infection is more widespread or not responding to topical treatments, we may advise oral antibiotics, such as flucloxacillin. If necessary, we will refer you to your GP for a prescription.
- Hygiene advice: Along with medication, maintaining good hygiene is crucial to controlling the spread of impetigo. We’ll provide tips on how to keep the affected area clean and avoid transmitting the infection to others.
3. Support for You and Your Family
Impetigo is highly contagious, especially among young children in close contact at school or nursery. We’ll give you advice on how to prevent the infection from spreading to others in your household and what steps to take to reduce the risk of recurrence.
What to Expect from the Pharmacy First Service
The Pharmacy First service at Adell Pharmacy offers a convenient, fast, and effective way to get treated for minor ailments like impetigo. Our aim is to make healthcare easily accessible to the Hillingdon community and surrounding areas, while also reducing the burden on local GPs and hospitals.
1. No Need for a GP Appointment
You can access treatment for impetigo without needing to see your doctor. Simply visit Adell Pharmacy, where one of our pharmacists will assess your symptoms and offer the appropriate treatment or advice. This saves you time and helps to alleviate pressure on NHS services.
2. Quick and Convenient Care
Our Pharmacy First service means you can receive treatment for impetigo without the long wait times associated with GP appointments. We offer same-day assessments, so you can start your treatment as soon as possible.
3. Helping the NHS
By choosing the Pharmacy First service for conditions like impetigo, you are helping to reduce unnecessary GP appointments and emergency visits. This allows the NHS to focus on more urgent or complex cases, while still ensuring that you receive expert care for your minor condition.
Preventing the Spread of Impetigo
Once you’ve been treated for impetigo, it’s important to take steps to prevent the infection from spreading further. Here are some key prevention tips:
- Avoid touching the sores: Try not to scratch or touch the affected area, as this can spread the bacteria to other parts of your body or to others.
- Keep the sores clean and covered: Gently wash the infected area with soap and water and keep it covered with a clean, dry bandage.
- Good hygiene practices: Wash your hands regularly, especially after touching the affected area, and avoid sharing towels, bedding, or clothing with others.
- Stay home if necessary: If your child has impetigo, they should stay home from school or nursery until the sores have crusted over and they are no longer contagious, typically after 48 hours of starting antibiotic treatment.
When to See a GP for Impetigo
While impetigo can usually be treated effectively at the pharmacy, there are some cases where you may need to see a GP. You should seek further medical advice if:
- The sores do not improve after a few days of treatment
- The infection spreads rapidly or worsens
- You develop a fever or feel unwell
- You have an underlying skin condition that may complicate the infection
If needed, our pharmacists at Adell Pharmacy will refer you to your GP for further care.
Accessing the Pharmacy First Service at Adell Pharmacy in Hillingdon
Using the Pharmacy First service at Adell Pharmacy is simple and convenient. Just follow these steps:
- Visit Adell Pharmacy: We’re located in Hillingdon, and you can drop in without an appointment.
- Consultation: Our pharmacists will assess your symptoms and recommend the best treatment for impetigo.
- Receive Treatment: Pick up any necessary medications or creams on-site and start your treatment right away.
Why Choose Adell Pharmacy for Impetigo Treatment?
At Adell Pharmacy, we are dedicated to providing the Hillingdon community with fast, effective, and professional care. Our experienced pharmacists are here to help with all your healthcare needs, including treating impetigo. Residents of Hillingdon and surrounding areas, such as Uxbridge, Ruislip, Hayes, and Ickenham, can rely on us for:
- Expert pharmacists: Our team is trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of minor health conditions, including impetigo.
- Convenient service: No need to wait for a GP appointment. We offer quick access to treatment, so you can start feeling better sooner.
- Support for the NHS: By using the Pharmacy First service, you are helping to alleviate the burden on local GPs and emergency services, ensuring that NHS resources are used effectively.
Visit Adell Pharmacy in Hillingdon for Impetigo Treatment
If you or your child are showing signs of impetigo, visit Adell Pharmacy in Hillingdon for fast, professional treatment. Our pharmacists are ready to provide the care and advice you need to recover quickly and prevent the infection from spreading. We’re proud to serve the residents of Hillingdon and nearby areas like Uxbridge, Ruislip, Hayes, and Ickenham. Stop by today for expert care through our Pharmacy First service.
For more information, feel free to contact us or visit our pharmacy in person.
