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.