The information below is based on NICE NG153 Impetigo: antimicrobial prescribing (February 2020).

Impetigo is a contagious, bacterial infection of the superficial layers of the skin. Impetigo affects all age groups; however, it is most common in young children.

Advise people with impetigo, and their parents or carers if appropriate, about good hygiene measures to reduce the spread of impetigo to other areas of the body and to other people.

Self-care advice:

• Wash affected areas with soap and water
• Wash hands regularly, in particular after touching a patch of impetigo
• Avoid scratching affected areas
• Avoid sharing towels, face cloths, and other personal care products and thoroughly cleanse potentially contaminated toys and play equipment

Initial treatment

Do not offer combination treatment with a topical and oral antibiotic to treat impetigo.

Localised non-bullous impetigo

Consider hydrogen peroxide 1% cream for people with localised non-bullous impetigo who are not systemically unwell or at high risk of complications, if hydrogen peroxide 1% cream is unsuitable, i.e. if ineffective or if impetigo is around eyes, offer a short course of a topical antibiotic (see below for appropriate choices).

Widespread non-bullous impetigo

Offer a short course of a topical or oral antibiotic for people with widespread non‑bullous impetigo who are not systemically unwell or at high risk of complications (see below for appropriate choices).

Bullous impetigo or impetigo in people who are systemically unwell or at high risk of complications

Offer a short course of an oral antibiotic for all people with bullous impetigo, and people with non-bullous impetigo who are systemically unwell or at high risk of complications (see below for appropriate choices).

Further treatment

For people with impetigo that is worsening or has not improved after treatment with hydrogen peroxide 1% cream, offer:

• a short course of a topical antibiotic if the impetigo remains localised or
• a short course of a topical or oral antibiotic if the impetigo has become widespread

For people with impetigo that is worsening or has not improved after completing a course of topical antibiotics:

• offer a short course of an oral antibiotic and
• consider sending a skin swab for microbiological testing

For people with impetigo that is worsening or has not improved after completing a course of oral antibiotics, consider sending a skin swab for microbiological testing

For people with impetigo that recurs frequently:

• send a skin swab for microbiological testing and
• consider taking a nasal swab and starting treatment for decolonisation

If a skin swab has been sent for microbiological testing:

• review the choice of antibiotic when results are available and
• change the antibiotic according to results if symptoms are not improving, using a narrow-spectrum antibiotic if possible

Reassessment and referral

Reassess at any time if symptoms worsen rapidly or significantly, taking account of:

• other possible diagnoses, such as herpes simplex
• any symptoms or signs suggesting a more serious illness or condition, such as cellulitis
• previous antibiotic use, which may have led to resistant bacteria.

Refer to hospital:

• people with impetigo and any symptoms or signs suggesting a more serious illness or condition (for example, cellulitis)
• people with widespread impetigo who are immunocompromised

Consider referral or seeking specialist advice for people with impetigo if they:

• have bullous impetigo, particularly in babies (aged 1 year and under)
• have impetigo that recurs frequently
• are systemically unwell
• are at high risk of complications

Consult local microbiologist if MRSA suspected or confirmed

Antimicrobials for adults aged 18 years and over

A 5‑day course is appropriate for most people with impetigo but can be increased to 7 days based on clinical judgement, depending on the severity and number of lesions.

Topical antiseptic

Hydrogen peroxide 1% cream

• Apply two or three times a day for 5 days

See section 13.11.5 Oxidisers and dyes

Topical antibiotic

Fusidic acid 2% cream/ointment

• Apply three times a day for 5 days

See section 13.10.1 Antibacterial preparations

MRSA infection in impetigo is rare, consult local microbiologist if MRSA suspected or confirmed prior to consideration of topical mupirocin

Oral antibiotic

Flucloxacillin

• 500mg four times a day for 5 days

Oral antibiotic (Penicillin allergy)

Clarithromycin

• 250mg to 500mg twice a day for 5 days
• 500mg twice a day for 5 days if severe infection

Oral antibiotic (Penicillin allergy in pregnancy)

Erythromycin

• 250mg to 500mg four times a day for 5 days
• 500mg four times a day for 5 days if severe infection

See sections 5.1.1 Penicillins and 5.1.5 Macrolides

Antimicrobials for children and young people under 18 years

A 5‑day course is appropriate for most people with impetigo but can be increased to 7 days based on clinical judgement, depending on the severity and number of lesions.

Topical antiseptic

Hydrogen peroxide 1% cream

• Apply two or three times a day for 5 days

See section 13.11.5 Oxidisers and dyes

Topical antibiotic

Fusidic acid 2% cream/ointment

• Apply three times a day for 5 days

See section 13.10.1 Antibacterial preparations

MRSA infection in impetigo is rare, consult local microbiologist if MRSA suspected or confirmed prior to consideration of topical mupirocin

Oral antibiotic

Flucloxacillin

• Children 1 month to 17 years of age (doses given four times a day for 5 days):
  • 1 month to 1 year: 62.5mg to 125mg
  • 2 to 9 years: 125mg to 250mg
  • 10 to 17 years: 250mg to 500mg

Oral antibiotic (Penicillin allergy)

Clarithromycin

• Children 1 month to 11 years of age (doses given twice daily for 5 days):
  • Body-weight under 8 kg: 7.5mg/kg
  • Body-weight 8–11 kg: 62.5mg
  • Body-weight 12–19 kg: 125mg
  • Body-weight 20–29 kg: 187.5mg
  • Body-weight 30–40 kg: 250mg
• Children 12 years to 17 years of age:
  • 250mg to 500mg twice a day for 5 days
  • 500mg twice a day for 5 days if severe infection

Oral antibiotic (Penicillin allergy in pregnancy)

Erythromycin

• Children 8 years to 17 years:
  • 250mg to 500mg four times a day for 5 days
  • 500mg four times a day for 5 days if severe infection

See sections 5.1.1 Penicillins and 5.1.5 Macrolides

The information below is based on NICE NG190: Secondary bacterial infection of eczema and other common skin conditions: antimicrobial prescribing (March 2021).

Manage underlying eczema and flares with treatments such as emollients and topical corticosteroids, whether antibiotics are offered or not. See here for Management of eczema.

Treatment

Symptoms and signs of infected eczema include weeping, pustules, crusts, no response to treatment, rapidly worsening eczema, fever, and malaise.

Not all eczema flares are caused by a bacterial infection, so will not respond to antibiotics, even if weeping and crusts are present. Eczema is often colonised with bacteria but may not be clinically infected. Eczema can also be infected with herpes simplex virus (eczema herpeticum).

Do not routinely take a skin swab for microbiological testing in people with infected eczema at the initial presentation. 

In people who are not systemically unwell, do not offer either a topical or oral antibiotic for infected eczema, take into account:

• the evidence, which suggests a limited benefit with antibiotics in addition to topical corticosteroids compared with topical corticosteroids alone
• the risk of antimicrobial resistance with repeated courses of antibiotics
• the extent and severity of symptoms or signs
• the risk of developing complications, which is higher in people with underlying conditions such as immunosuppression.

If an antibiotic is offered to people who are not systemically unwell with infected eczema, when choosing between a topical or oral antibiotic, take into account:

• their preferences (and those of their parents and carers as appropriate) for topical or oral administration
• the extent and severity of symptoms or signs (a topical antibiotic may be more appropriate if the infection is localised and not severe; an oral antibiotic may be more appropriate if the infection is widespread or severe)
• possible adverse effects
• previous use of topical antibiotics because antimicrobial resistance can develop rapidly with extended or repeated use.

Advice

If an antibiotic is given, advise the person (and their parents and carers as appropriate):

• about possible adverse effects
• about the risk of developing antimicrobial resistance with extended or repeated use
• that they should continue treatments such as emollients and topical corticosteroids
• that it can take time for secondary bacterial infection of eczema to resolve, and full resolution is not expected until after the antibiotic course is completed
• to seek medical help if symptoms worsen rapidly or significantly at any time.

Antimicrobials for adults aged 18 years and over

Do not routinely offer either a topical or oral antibiotic for infected eczema in people who are not systemically unwell

If treatment is appropriate, a 5-day course is suitable for most people with infected eczema but can be increased to 7 days based on clinical judgement, depending on severity

Topical antibiotic

Fusidic acid 2% cream/ointment

• Apply three times a day for 5 days
• If infection does not improve consider:
  • allergy to fusidic acid
  • alternative infection (i.e. scabies, HSV)
  • sending a skin swab for microbiological testing
• See section 13.10.1. Antibacterial preparations

Oral antibiotic

Flucloxacillin

• 500mg four times a day for 5 days
• See section 5.1.1 Penicillins

Oral antibiotic (penicillin allergy)

Clarithromycin

• 250mg to 500mg twice a day for 5 days
• 500mg twice a day for 5 days if severe infection
• See section 5.1.5 Macrolides

OR

Doxycycline

• 200mg single dose stat then 100mg once or twice a day for a total of 5 days
• Local recommendation; not included in NICE NG190
• See section 5.1.3 Tetracyclines

Oral antibiotic (penicillin allergy in pregnancy)

Erythromycin

• 250mg to 500mg four times a day for 5 days
• 500mg twice a day for 5 days if severe infection
• See section 5.1.5 Macrolides

Antimicrobials for children and young people under 18 years

Do not routinely offer either a topical or oral antibiotic for infected eczema in people who are not systemically unwell

If treatment is appropriate, a 5-day course is suitable for most people with infected eczema but can be increased to 7 days based on clinical judgement, depending on severity

Topical antibiotic

Fusidic acid 2% cream/ointment

• Apply three times a day for 5 days
• If infection does not improve consider:
  • allergy to fusidic acid
  • alternative infection (i.e. scabies, HSV)
  • sending a skin swab for microbiological testing
• See section 13.10.1. Antibacterial preparations

Oral antibiotic

Flucloxacillin

• Children 1 month to 17 years of age (doses given four times a day for 5 days):
  • 1 month to 1 year: 62.5mg to 125mg
  • 2 to 9 years: 125mg to 250mg
  • 10 to 17 years: 250mg to 500mg
• See section 5.1.1 Penicillins

Oral antibiotic (penicillin allergy)

Clarithromycin

• Children 1 month to 11 years of age (doses given twice daily for 5 days):
  • Body-weight under 8 kg: 7.5mg/kg
  • Body-weight 8-11 kg: 62.5mg
  • Body-weight 12-19 kg: 125mg
  • Body-weight 20-29 kg: 187.5mg
  • Body-weight 30-40 kg: 250mg
• Children 12 years to 17 years of age:
  • 250mg to 500mg twice a day for 5 days
  • 500mg twice a day for 5 days if severe infection
• See section 5.1.5 Macrolides

OR

Doxycycline

• Children 12 years to 17 years:
  • 200mg single dose stat then 100mg once or twice a day for a total of 5 days
• Local recommendation; not included in NICE NG190
• See section 5.1.3 Tetracyclines

Oral antibiotic (penicillin allergy in pregnancy)

Erythromycin

• Children 8 years to 17 years:
  • 250mg to 500mg four times a day for 5 days
  • 500mg twice a day for 5 days if severe infection
• See section 5.1.5 Macrolides

Reassessment and referral

Reassess people with infected eczema if:

• they become systemically unwell or have pain that is out of proportion to the infection
• their symptoms worsen rapidly or significantly at any time
• their symptoms have not improved after completing a course of antibiotics.

When reassessing people with secondary bacterial infection of eczema, take account of:

• other possible diagnoses, such as eczema herpeticum
• any symptoms or signs suggesting a more serious illness or condition, such as cellulitis, necrotising fasciitis (agonising pain out of proportion to what can be seen) or sepsis
• previous antibiotic use, which may have cause resistant bacteria.

For people with secondary bacterial infection of eczema that is worsening or has not improved as expected, consider sending a skin swab for microbiological testing.

For people with secondary bacterial infection of eczema that recurs frequently:

• send a skin swab for microbiological testing and
• consider taking a nasal swab and starting treatment for decolonisation.

If a skin swab has been sent for microbiological testing:

• review the choice of antibiotic when results are available and
• change the antibiotic according to results if symptoms are not improving, using a narrow-spectrum antibiotic is possible.

Refer people with secondary bacterial infection of eczema to hospital if they have any symptoms or signs suggesting a more serious illness or condition, such as rigors, diarrhoea and vomiting, spreading erythema (sunburn rash), conjunctival redness (streptococcus or staphylococcus toxic shock), necrotising fasciitis (agonising pain out of proportion to what can be seen) or sepsis.

Consider referral or seeking specialist advice for people with secondary bacterial infection of eczema if they:

• have spreading infection that is not responding to oral antibiotics
• are systemically unwell
• are at high risk of complications
• have infections that recur frequently.

Consult local microbiologist if MRSA suspected or confirmed.

Please see local referral guideline if severe and recurrent eczema:

• South Devon and Torbay
  
• Western locality

Discuss with a Microbiologist if exposure to river or sea-water.

Inflammation about leg ulcers is often mistaken for cellulitis. There is no evidence that swabbing leg ulcers routinely or treating them with antibiotics is useful unless there is genuine ascending cellulitis.

Bilateral cellulitis is rare and may require a re-evaluation of diagnosis. A low CRP may suggest a non-infectious aetiology in difficult cases.

Swabbing of any broken skin, or between toes for foot cellulitis, may be helpful if done prior to starting antibiotics.

A nose swab should be collected to look for MRSA carriage if the patient has been in hospital recently.

The formulary gives dose and duration of treatment for adults unless stated otherwise.

In mild to moderate cellulitis

Flucloxacillin

• 500-1000mg every 6 hours for 7 days

Penicillin allergy

Clarithromycin

• 500mg every 12 hours for 7 days

If patient currently taking statins

Clindamycin

• 300-450mg every 6 hours for 7 days

If severe and/or failure with suitable oral antibiotics consider outpatient IV antibiotics. Eligible patients are those who are haemodynamically stable and with no unstable co-morbidities.

Plymouth: Liaise with Acute GP service

Torbay: Liaise with Ambulatory Care or discuss with on call Microbiologist

In facial cellulitis

If the cellulitis is clearly not associated with mucosal structures such as the facial sinuses or teeth then treat as standard cellulitis, see above. If mucosal facial structures are involved use co-amoxiclav.

Have a low threshold for referral in the event of signs and symptoms suggesting orbital involvement, for example

• Blurring / reduced visual acuity or colour perception
• Ophthalmoplegia (restricted eye movements, double vision)
• Proptosis
• Pupillary dysfunction (relative afferent pupil defect)
• Sclera changes

Co-amoxiclav

• 625mg every 8 hours for 7-14 days

Ulcers are always colonised.

Culture swabs and antibiotics are only indicated if cellulitis is present. Treat with cellulitis regimen (see above).

Antibiotics should only be used in active infection (increased pain, pyrexia, erythema beyond 2cm, localised heat). If antibiotics given, review with culture results.

Human bites: Thorough irrigation is import. Assess risk of tetanus, HIV, hepatitis B&C- follow inoculation policy. Antibiotic prophylaxis is advised.

Cat / dog / bat bites: Assess risk of tetanus and rabies- follow inoculation policy.

Give prophylaxis if:

• All cat bites
• Puncture wound from any animal
• Bite to hand, foot, face, joint, tendon, ligament. If the bite is near a joint or tendon, refer to plastics
• Immunocompromised / diabetic / asplenic / cirrhotic
• Presence of prosthetic valve or prosthetic joint
• Presents more than 24 hours after the bite

Prophylaxis and treatment

The formulary gives dose and duration of treatment for adults unless stated otherwise.

Co-amoxiclav

625mg every 8 hours for 7 days

If penicillin allergic

Metronidazole

• 400mg every 8 hours for 7 days plus

Doxycycline

• 100mg every 12 hours for 7 days

For children allergic to penicillin and unable to take co-amoxiclav, discuss with microbiologist

Treat all home & sexual contacts within 24 hours.

Application notes

1. Take an ordinary tepid bath.
2. After drying the skin apply to the whole body including face, neck, scalp & ears.
3. Wash off after 8-12 hours (permethrin) or 24 hours (malathion)
4. Reapply if hands are washed in this period.
5. 24 hours later take another bath and change underclothes, nightclothes, sheets and pillow cases.

Permethrin 5% cream

• two applications one week apart

If allergy

Malathion 0.5% liquid

• two applications one week apart

Skin: Localised infection

The use of OTC dusting powders can be recommended to help prevent re-infection of athlete's foot.

NHS England (NHSE) has published new prescribing guidance for various common conditions for which over-the-counter (OTC) items should not be routinely prescribed in primary care (quick reference guide). These conditions include ringworm and athlete's foot.

Many of these products are cheap to buy and are readily available OTC along with advice from pharmacies. Some self-care medicines are available from shops and supermarkets. Please click here for further information, exceptions, and a patient leaflet.

Oral therapy is indicated in scalp infection, discuss with specialist.

Terbinafine is fungicidal and the treatment time is shorter than with fungistatic imidazoles.

Terbinafine 1%

• Topical: apply every 12 hours for 1-2 weeks after healing (i.e. 4-6 weeks)

Miconazole 2%

• Topical: apply every 12 hours for 1-2 weeks after healing (i.e. 4-6 weeks)

Skin: Extensive infection or failure to respond to topical anti-fungal

Take skin scrapings for culture for intractable infections, and if infection confirmed consider oral terbinafine/ itraconazole.

Terbinafine

• 250mg daily for 4 weeks

Itraconazole

• Tinea corporis / tinea cruis
  • 100mg once daily for 15 days, or
  • 200mg once daily for 7 days
• Tinea pedis / tinea manuum
  • 100mg once daily for 30 days

Proximal fingernail or toenail (adults)

Take nail clippings and only start therapy if infection is confirmed by laboratory.

Oral terbinafine is more effective than oral azoles (fungicidal agent). Idiosyncratic liver reactions occur rarely with terbinafine.

Terbinafine

• 250mg daily
• Treat fingernails for 6 to 12 weeks
• Treat toenails for 3-6 months

Pulsed itraconazole monthly is recommended for infections with candida and non-dermatophyte moulds.

Itraconazole

• 200mg twice daily for 7 consecutive days repeated at 21 day intervals
• Treat fingernails with 2 courses
• Treat toenails for 3 courses

Warnings on itraconazole use

1. Itraconazole has a negative inotropic effect:
   1. It should not be used in patients with heart failure or at risk of it
   1. It should not be used with other negatively inotropic drugs such as calcium channel blockers
2. Itraconazole has a range of clinically important drug interactions such as statins, anti-epileptics, anti-arrhythmics, antihistamines, calcium channel blockers, HIV drugs. This list is not exhaustive and the BNF or other texts should be consulted
3. Absorption of itraconazole is pH dependent. It is reduced by antacids and PPIs. Avoid antacids for 2 hours. If on a PPI, take itraconazole with an acidic drink
4. Do not use itraconazole if there is a past history of hepatic disease

Varicella zoster/chicken pox and herpes zoster/shingles

Pregnant/ immunocompromised/ neonate exposed to chicken pox or shingles: seek urgent specialist advice.

Chicken pox, consider aciclovir:

• If onset of rash less than 24 hours & over 14 years of age or
• Severe pain or
• Dense/oral rash or
• Secondary household case or
• Taking steroids or
• A smoker

Shingles, treat if over 50 years of age and:

• Within 72 hours of rash (post herpatic neuralgia is rare if under 50 years of age) or
• Active ophthalmic or
• Ramsey Hunt syndrome or
• Eczema

If indicated:

Aciclovir tablets

• 800mg 5 times a day for 7 days

2nd line for shingles only if compliance a problem (less cost effective)

Valaciclovir tablets

• 1000mg every 8 hours for 7 days.
• Children: See BNFC for dose

NHS England (NHSE) has published new prescribing guidance for various common conditions for which over the counter (OTC) items should not be routinely prescribed in primary care (quick reference guide). One of these conditions is infrequent cold sores of the lip.

A number of products containing antivirals are cheap to buy and are readily available OTC along with advice from pharmacies. Some self-care medicines are available from shops and supermarkets. Please click here for further information, exceptions, and a patient leaflet.

Cold sores resolve after 7–10 days without treatment.

Topical antivirals applied prodromally reduce duration by 12-24 hours

Thorough irrigation is recommended. Drinkable tap water, boiled and cooled water, and normal saline are all comparable wound cleansing agents. Assess risk of tetanus.

Antibiotic therapy is usually not indicated unless:

• Crushed and deep punctures
• Wounds to the hands, face or genitals
• Immunocompromised
• Cirrhotic, asplenic, or hyposplenic

In these cases prompt irrigation and co-amoxiclav 625mg every 8 hours for 5 days.

If symptoms and signs of infection develop after closure of the laceration:

• If previously contaminated - co-amoxiclav 625mg every 8 hours for 5 days
• If not previously contaminated – flucloxacillin 500mg every 6 hours for 7 days

Please refer to: Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) guidance

An MHRA patient information leaflet is available on the Public Health England (HPA) website