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Shingles

Shingles is due to a reactivation of the varicella zoster virus in people who have been previously had chickenpox.

Shingles is due to a reactivation of the varicella zoster virus in people who have previously had chickenpox. The virus remains dormant for years before it is reactivated. The reactivated virus travels down the nerves to the skin and causes a rash. Shingles can occur at any age but is more common in older people or individuals who are immunocompromised.

Symptoms
Treatment
Treatment at Home

Symptoms

Shingles often begins with pain, tingling, itching or burning in a specific area of the skin, usually on one side of the body. This discomfort can start a few days before any rash appears and may feel sharp, stabbing or throbbing. A rash of small, fluid-filled blisters then develops in a band-like pattern, most commonly on the chest, back or side. The blisters burst, dry out and form scabs over several days. The area can be very painful and sensitive to touch, and some people may also feel unwell with tiredness, headache or a mild fever. Symptoms usually improve gradually, but the rash can take several weeks to fully heal.

Treatment

Shingles is caused by a virus, and treatment works best when started as early as possible, ideally within 72 hours of the rash appearing. Under the Common Conditions Service, our pharmacists can assess and treat adults aged 18 years and over with shingles who meet specific criteria.

Our Pharmacists may be able to prescribe treatment where:

You are within 72 hours of the rash starting, particularly if aged 50 years or over, or
Your rash is causing moderate to severe pain, or
Your rash affects areas such as the arms, legs or neck, or
You are aged 70 years or over, or continue to develop new blisters.

Treatment usually involves a prescription for antiviral medicine, which helps reduce the severity and duration of symptoms and lowers the risk of ongoing nerve pain. Pain relief is also important, and simple painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may be advised by our pharmacists, if suitable.

Some people will need referral to a GP or hospital for further assessment, including those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, those with a weakened immune system, or if the rash affects the eye or face, or if symptoms are severe or worsening.

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Treatment at Home

Alongside antiviral treatment, the following self-care steps can help relieve symptoms and support healing:

Keep the rash clean and dry to reduce the risk of infection.
Areas of exposed rash should be kept covered when in public.
Wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid irritating the skin.
Use simple pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if needed (ask our pharmacists if suitable for you).
Apply a cool compress (such as a clean cloth with cool water) to soothe the skin.
Avoid scratching or picking the blisters.
Wash hands regularly and avoid touching the rash where possible.
Drink plenty of fluids and rest as needed.

Shingles is contagious until all blisters have crusted over (usually seven to ten days after rash appears). During this time, avoid close contact with:

People who have never had chickenpox before, Particularly Pregnant women who have not had chickenpox
People with weakened immune systems
Babies under one month old (unless it is your own baby)

Seek medical advice urgently if the rash is near the eye, if pain becomes severe, if new blisters keep appearing, or if you feel very unwell.