Shingles
Shingles is a viral infection that gives you a tingling sensation on your skin, and leaves you feeling generally unwell. This is followed by a painful rash, often on one side of your body.
You might have shingles if you have:
A headache or feeling generally unwell
Pain, tingling or itchiness in the affected area
A high temperature of 38C or more
The shingles rash usually occurs on one side of your body, developing on the area of skin related to the affected nerve.
When you get chickenpox, the virus stays in your body. The virus can become active again later if your immune system is lowered and can cause shingles.
Your immune system can be lowered due to:
Your immune system can be lowered due to:
- Stress
- Certain health conditions
- Treatments like chemotherapy
There’s no cure for shingles, but getting treatment quickly can help lessen your symptoms and reduce the duration of the virus.
If you think you have shingles, it’s important that you book a consultation as early as possible so you can start treatment.
If you think you have shingles, it’s important that you book a consultation as early as possible so you can start treatment.
Think you might have shingles?
Don’t wait for a GP appointment.
Get advice & prescriptions from a trusted pharmacy now:
Get advice & prescriptions from a trusted pharmacy now:
Complete an easy online questionnaire
Book a free video consultation with a pharmacist
Get medicines delivered to your door
What is Pharmacy First?
Pharmacy First is a new NHS-funded scheme that helps you quickly get the advice & treatment you need from a pharmacy, without needing to see a GP.
The conditions covered by Pharmacy First are:
Video consultations & advice are free of charge. If you pay for prescriptions you will be charged the prescription rate of £9.65 per prescription item.
