Shingles
Shingles is caused by the chickenpox virus waking up again in someone who has had chickenpox. It causes a painful, blistering rash, usually on one side of the body. Treatment works best when it is started early.
- The rash
- Usually clears in 2 to 4 weeks
- Treatment works best
- Within 3 days (72 hours) of the rash appearing
- Pharmacy First
- Ages 18 and over
Common symptoms
- Tingling, burning, itching or pain in one patch of skin, often for a few days before any rash appears
- A rash of red patches that turns into fluid-filled blisters, which then burst, ooze and crust over
- The rash usually appears in a band on one side of the body — often the chest, tummy or back, but it can affect the face and neck
- The rash can be very painful
- Feeling generally unwell, with a headache or a mild fever
Why early treatment matters
Antiviral tablets work best if they are started within 3 days (72 hours) of the rash appearing. They can shorten the illness and may reduce the risk of long-lasting nerve pain. If you think you have shingles, please do not wait — speak to us or your GP practice as soon as you can.
Protecting other people
You cannot catch shingles from another person. But someone who has never had chickenpox (or the chickenpox vaccine) can catch chickenpox from the fluid in shingles blisters. You are infectious until all the blisters have crusted over.
Until then, keep the rash covered with a loose, non-stick dressing where you can, wash your hands often, do not share towels, and stay away from pregnant women who have not had chickenpox, newborn babies and people with a weakened immune system.
What you can do yourself
- Take paracetamol for the pain if it is suitable for you. Speak to us or your GP if it is not enough.
- Hold a cool, damp cloth against the rash to ease soreness.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing, and keep the rash clean and dry.
- Do not scratch the blisters or use sticky plasters on them.
- Ask us before putting any cream on the rash.
How PRX Pharmacy can help
Through Pharmacy First, our pharmacists can assess shingles in adults aged 18 or over without a GP appointment. They will check where the rash is and how long you have had it, and look for anything that means you need to be seen urgently instead. If antiviral treatment is appropriate, they may be able to supply it.
A shingles vaccine is offered free to some groups, including older adults and some people with a weakened immune system. Ask your GP practice whether you are eligible.
When to get medical help
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
- • You are confused or unusually drowsy, or have a severe headache with a stiff neck or sensitivity to light
- • You have difficulty breathing
Contact your GP practice or call 111 the same day if:
- • The rash is on or near your eye, on your forehead, or on the tip of your nose, or your eye is painful or red, or your vision changes — get help the same day
- • The rash affects your ear, or you have ear pain, hearing changes, dizziness or weakness on one side of your face
- • You have a weakened immune system (for example from chemotherapy or steroid medicine)
- • You are pregnant
- • The rash is widespread or appears on both sides of the body
- • The blisters look infected — spreading redness, pus, or a fever
- • The pain is severe, or continues after the rash has healed
- • You are under 18
If you are ever worried and unsure, ask us or call 111. Trust your instincts — it is always better to ask.
This guide is general information written by the PRX Pharmacy team. It does not replace advice from a pharmacist or doctor who knows your medical history.
Last updated 24 September 2026. Clinically reviewed by Milan Patel, Pharmacist on 24 September 2026.
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