Shingles
Assessed by our pharmacy team under NHS Pharmacy First - no GP appointment needed for eligible patients.
Shingles is an infection caused by the same virus as chickenpox. After a chickenpox infection the virus stays asleep in your nerves and can wake up years later as shingles, usually on one side of the body.
It often starts with a tingling, burning or painful patch of skin. A rash with fluid-filled blisters follows a few days later, most commonly wrapping around the chest, tummy or face.
What shingles looks and feels like
- Tingling, burning or stabbing pain in one area of the body
- A red rash that turns into fluid-filled blisters
- Blisters that crust over after a few days
- Headache, tiredness or feeling generally unwell
- Pain that continues after the rash has gone (post-herpetic neuralgia)
How we can help
Under NHS Pharmacy First, our pharmacist can assess shingles in eligible adults. Starting antiviral treatment early - ideally within 72 hours of the rash appearing - can shorten the illness and reduce the risk of lasting nerve pain.
Shingles is contagious to people who have not had chickenpox, until the blisters dry and scab over. Our pharmacist will explain how to avoid spreading it and when you can return to work or normal activities.
Treatment
Antiviral tablets such as aciclovir are the usual treatment, alongside pain relief. The NHS also offers the shingles vaccine to eligible age groups - you can check your eligibility on the NHS website or ask our team.
Get urgent help if you have
- A rash on or near your eye, or changes to your vision
- Shingles and a weakened immune system, or you are pregnant
- A rash covering a large area of your body
- Severe pain, a high temperature or confusion
Common questions
Related reading
Think you have shingles?
Book an NHS Pharmacy First assessment, or walk in and speak to our team.