Small areas of localised infection can be treated with topical fusidic acid, three times a day for five days. Larger areas require systemic treatment for seven days with oral flucloxacillin or clarithromycin, according to National Institute for Health Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines. Suspected impetigo should be referred to a GP for antibiotic treatment, unless the pharmacist is accredited to supply treatment under a patient group direction.

Good hygiene is important to prevent spreading the infection to other areas, or passing it to other people. Towels, flannels and clothing should not be shared with others until the infection has cleared.

Patients and carers should be advised to complete the course of antibiotic treatment and not to carry on for longer. If there is no significant improvement after five days, or if the condition is rapidly worsening, a consultation should be sought. Such patients may have impetigo caused by MRSA and need an alternative antibiotic, or may have developed a rare complication.