CKS

For extensive, severe, or bullous impetigo, use oral antibiotics. 

Reserve topical antibiotics for very localised lesions & avoid repeated courses to reduce the risk of resistance.

Drug details

If localised:

Fusidic acid 2% cream

 

topically 3 to 4 x daily

 

5 days

Only if MRSA

Mupirocin 2% ointment

 

topically 3 x daily

 

5 days

If widespread

oral Flucloxacillin

 

500mg 4 x daily

child dose

 

7 days

If penicillin allergic:

oral Clarithromycin

 

500mg 2 x daily 

child dose

 

7 days