Shingles

Shingles is an infection resulting in a painful rash.

  • Symptoms include tingling or pain in the skin and a headache or feeling unwell.
  • The rash typically appears a few days later and may manifest as blotches on one side of the body, commonly on the chest and abdomen but can occur anywhere, including the face, eyes, and genitals.
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Treatment Options

  • Treatment varies based on symptom severity and risk of complications.
  • Antiviral tablets may be prescribed to expedite recovery, particularly if the immune system is compromised or the rash is extensive.
  • Pain relief medications such as paracetamol and treatments for nerve pain may also be recommended.

Self-Care Measures

  • Manage pain with paracetamol and keep the rash clean and dry.
  • Wear loose-fitting clothing and apply cool compresses to alleviate discomfort.

Duration of Shingles

  • Healing of the rash may take up to 4 weeks, with residual skin pain persisting for some time afterward.

Precautions

  • While shingles itself isn’t contagious, the virus causing it (varicella-zoster) can transmit chickenpox to susceptible individuals.
  • Avoid contact with pregnant individuals without prior chickenpox exposure, those undergoing chemotherapy, and infants less than one month old.

Consulting a Pharmacist at Consult

While there is no cure for shingles, treatments are available to alleviate symptoms. Typically, shingles symptoms improve within two to four weeks, but prompt treatment can help reduce severity and complications.

Consult Pharmacy is here to assist individuals aged 18 and over under the Pharmacy First service. 

During your consultation, our pharmacists will assess your medical history and symptoms to rule out any urgent conditions requiring referral to a GP or other healthcare providers. We may recommend pain relief and over-the-counter products tailored to alleviate your symptoms. If you visit the pharmacy within 72 hours of your rash appearing, our pharmacists may consider treatment with antiviral tablets, which they can provide.

If you are under 18 you cannot be treated at Consult Pharmacy for this symptom. In such cases, our team can offer self-care advice or refer you to your GP as needed.

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Source: NHS England – February 2024