Pharmacy First
Shingles
Pharmacy First is an NHS service which enables you to get expert advice and treatment for shingles from our pharmacy, without needing you to see your GP.
Shingles can be treated in the pharmacy. If you or your child need advice you can come to our pharmacy and get in touch with our pharmacists who will provide you with expert advice.
What is Shingles?
Shingles is an infection of a nerve and the skin around it, caused by the same virus as chickenpox (varicella-zoster).
It causes a painful rash that usually appears on one side of the body.
An episode typically lasts 2–4 weeks, but pain may continue after the rash has gone.
Early & Main Symptoms
Early signs (a few days before rash): headache, feeling unwell, high temperature, tingling, burning, numbness, or itchiness.
Main symptoms:
Pain in the affected area (mild to severe, constant or stabbing)
Rash that develops into itchy blisters
Blisters may ooze fluid, then scab over
Rash usually appears on chest, stomach, face, eyes, or genitals.
Causes & Risk Factors
Shingles happens if the chickenpox virus in your body reactivates.
More likely if:
Over 50 years old
Weakened immunity
Under stress
Certain illnesses (e.g., HIV, lymphoma) or treatments (e.g., chemotherapy)
Contagiousness
You cannot catch shingles from someone else, but you can give chickenpox to someone who hasn’t had it.
Contagious until the last blister has scabbed over.
Avoid contact with:
Pregnant people without chickenpox immunity
Babies under 1 month old
People with weakened immune systems
Self-care: Dos & Don’ts
Do:
Keep rash clean and dry
Wear loose-fitting clothing
Take paracetamol if suitable for pain
Use cool damp cloths to soothe blisters
Use non-stick dressings if covering blisters
Don’t:
Let dressings or plasters stick to the rash
Use antibiotic cream on shingles
Share towels, flannels, or bedding
Go to work/school if rash is weeping and cannot be covered
Treatment
Antiviral medication can reduce severity if started within 72 hours of rash, but may still be started up to a week after rash appears for high-risk cases.
Pharmacists can offer advice and some prescription medications.
Who Can Use Pharmacy First? (Eligibility)
Available for people aged 18 and over.
Pharmacists can give advice and treatment if suitable.
Exclusions:
Pregnant people
Severe or widespread rash
Immunosuppressed individuals
Why use this service?
If you are suffering from a sore throat you are able to come to our pharmacy and get assessed by our pharmacist. Potentially you can receive antibiotics without having to wait.
✅No GP appointment needed
You can walk in to the pharmacy when it suits you best. Our pharmacists are trained to provide you with advice and treatment on the spot.
✅NHS funded service
This service is funded by the NHS. For eligible patients this service is offered for free.
✅Fast access to expert advice
You wil receive trusted, professional care and potentially receive treatment on the same day