Crystacide Cream for Impetigo

Yes. Hydrogen peroxide 1% cream, such as Crystacide, is the first-choice treatment recommended by NICE for small, localised patches of impetigo in people who are not systemically unwell. It works as well as some antibiotic creams for mild impetigo.

Complete our online consultation for a clinical assessment by one of our experienced prescribers to find out whether you’re eligible to buy Crystacide 1% cream online.

No. Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic, not an antibiotic. That’s why it’s recommended first for mild impetigo – it treats the infection without contributing to antibiotic resistance.

Impetigo usually starts as red sores or blisters that quickly burst and leave golden-brown, crusty patches, often around the nose and mouth or on the hands. The sores can be itchy. It can look different on brown and black skin, where the redness may be harder to see.

Crystacide is a pharmacy medicine, which means you can only buy it from a pharmacy after a pharmacist or clinician has checked it is suitable for you.

If you think you have impetigo, you can fill out our simple online questionnaire to start your consultation with one of our UK-registered clinicians. Then, if suitable, you can buy Crystacide 1% cream through our online pharmacy with fast UK delivery.

You can order Crystacide 1% cream through an online pharmacy after a clinical assessment. Our clinical team will only supply Crystacide if it’s clinically appropriate for you and your situation.

Do not buy medicines from pharmacies or websites that do not require a consultation with a medical professional.

At My Chemist Plus, you can have a free consultation with a UK-registered, experienced clinician for Crystacide. If suitable, you can order Crystacide online with fast UK-wide delivery. Fill out a quick health questionnaire to get started.

Yes. Impetigo spreads easily through touch and shared items. To stop it spreading:

• Stay off work until the sores have dried and crusted over, or for 48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment
• Don’t scratch or touch the sores, and wash your hands often
• Don’t share towels, flannels or bedding, and wash them at a high temperature
• Avoid close contact with others, especially babies and people with a weakened immune system

Always follow the instructions from our clinical team and the leaflet in the pack, and use it for the full 5 days even if the sores start to heal.

• Wash your hands, then gently clean the affected area and pat it dry.
• Apply a thin layer of cream to the sores two or three times a day, for 5 days.
• Wash your hands straight after applying it.
• Avoid getting the cream in your eyes, and be careful with hair and fabrics, as hydrogen peroxide can bleach them.

If you forget an application, apply it as soon as you remember, then carry on as normal. Do not apply extra cream to make up for a missed application.

Many people notice the sores start to dry and heal within a few days. If your impetigo has not improved after 5 days, or it is spreading, speak to a pharmacist or GP.

If hydrogen peroxide is not suitable, an antibiotic cream such as fusidic acid may be an option. Our clinical team will recommend the most suitable treatment during your consultation.

Learn more about fusidic acid cream for impetigo.

Crystacide is applied to the skin and very little is absorbed. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, let us know during your consultation so we can offer you the right guidance. If you’re breastfeeding, do not apply it to the breast area.

Yes, you can use Crystacide on impetigo on your face, but keep it away from your eyes, and do not use it inside your mouth or nose. If the impetigo is near your eyes, speak to a GP.

Speak to a GP or NHS 111 if:

• The sores are spreading despite treatment, or are not improving after 5 days
• You have a high temperature or feel unwell
• The skin around the sores becomes red, hot, swollen and painful, which could be cellulitis
• You keep getting impetigo