Impetigo treatment online
Small crusty sores that look like school sores? Check whether a small patch can be treated online. Quinn checks for fever or spreading infection first — if it fits, a clinician can prescribe antibiotic or antiseptic treatment.
- No appointment or video call
- NZ clinician reviewed
- Pay only if approved
What to expect
Talk to Quinn, our AI assistant. A NZ clinician reviews your history and decides your care.
- For a small patch of school sores, a clinician can explain hygiene and may prescribe antiseptic or antibiotic treatment
- A clear photo of the sores is required before this consultation can be submitted
- Fever, spreading skin infection, widespread blisters or sores near the eye need same-day examination
Is this service right for me?
Start an online assessment if…
- Only a small area is affected and a clear clinician-only photo is supplied
- There is no fever, rapidly spreading infection, widespread blistering or high-risk site
Use another service first if…
- Fever, shaking chills, worsening pain or rapidly spreading redness and swelling
- Sores near the eye, widespread blisters, newborn involvement or failure to improve
When to get care sooner
Some symptoms need urgent or in-person care.
See a doctor today if you…
- develop fever with worsening pain, spreading redness or increasing illness
- notice the redness, swelling or pain spreading rapidly
- notice sores appearing near your eyes
- develop blisters
- aren't improving after about 48 hours of treatment
About school sores (impetigo)
Impetigo, also called school sores, is a contagious bacterial skin infection. It spreads easily through close contact or shared items like towels. Small, uncomplicated areas can often be checked and treated using a clear photo.
- Small sores or blisters that break and form yellow-golden crusts
- A limited area without fever or rapidly spreading redness and pain
How your online consultation works
No appointment or video call to book. See the current clinician review time before you start.
- Tell QuinnDescribe your concern in your own words. Quinn, our AI assistant, gathers the information for your clinician.
- Clinician reviewA registered NZ clinician reviews your history and decides your care. They may ask for more detail.
- Receive your careApproved documents are saved in My care. Any prescription goes to your chosen pharmacy.
Keep your usual GP. You choose whether to share your approved consultation summary with your usual practice.
What we’ll ask about
Answer naturally. Quinn follows up on what matters to your situation, using these topics for the assessment.
- Where the sores are, crusting or blisters, number, spread and duration
- Feeling systemically unwell, shaking chills, worsening pain, spreading redness, eye-area or newborn involvement
- Treatments tried, recurrence, contacts, medicines and allergies
Frequently asked questions
When can a child return to school or daycare?
Once the sores have crusted or dried, or at least 24 hours after starting the recommended antiseptic or antibiotic treatment.
Is impetigo contagious?
Yes, it spreads easily through skin-to-skin contact and shared items such as towels or flannels. Household members with similar sores should also be checked.
Why do some cases need antibiotics by mouth instead of a cream?
A cream is often enough for a few small sores. Oral antibiotics may be needed if there are more than a few patches, or if the cream hasn't worked. A clinician may also judge that's simply the better option.
Fees and practical details
Your consultation fee is shown before submission. Your card is charged only if care is approved; medicine and pharmacy costs are separate.