Introduction
Introduction
Skin conditions, including impetigo and infected insect bites, are common reasons for people to seek advice and treatment from the pharmacy.
The majority of impetigo cases are uncomplicated but highly infectious and can be managed with a short course of topical hydrogen peroxide or topical antibiotic. Only more severe or complicated disease will require oral antibiotic treatment.
The majority of insect bites or stings are uncomplicated, too, and will heal spontaneously with symptomatic management.
It is important to be able to apply established diagnostic criteria to distinguish between cases that need no treatment, those which require topical or oral antibiotic treatment under PGD and those which require onward referral.
Key points
- Non-bullous impetigo is caused by superficial skin infection by Staphylococcus aureus; it usually affects children aged two to five years
- Impetigo is highly contagious. Good hygiene measures are required to reduce the risk of it spreading to other areas of the body and passing it to other people
- The majority of insect bites and stings are uncomplicated and can be managed with symptomatic treatment alone
- Rapid-onset skin reactions to insect bites or stings are likely to be due to inflammatory or allergic reactions rather than infection
- Both impetigo and infected insect bites provide opportunities to educate patients/parents/guardians about appropriate antibiotic use.