Antibacterial treatment is recommended for impetigo to shorten the course of illness and reduce the chances of it spreading to other sites or other people.
Topical treatment with a five-day course of hydrogen peroxide 1% cream is first-line treatment for localised non-bullous impetigo
A five-day course of oral flucloxacillin is first-line treatment for widespread non-bullous impetigo
Second-line treatments are listed in the Clinical Pathways. If flucloxacillin is indicated, check for penicillin and an alternative (e.g. clarithromycin or erythromycin subject to inclusion/exclusion criteria) should be supplied if necessary.
