Shingles

Shingles is a painful skin condition caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus. It can lead to a blistering rash, burning pain, and weeks of discomfort — but early treatment can help speed up recovery and reduce complications.

With our Shingles Pharmacy First service, you can speak to a qualified pharmacist by phone or video and get quick advice on how to manage your symptoms. If you’re eligible, we may also recommend or refer you for treatment to help shorten the length and severity of the outbreak.

What Is Shingles?

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you recover from chickenpox, the virus stays dormant in your nervous system and can reactivate years later as shingles.

It typically affects one side of the body and appears as a painful, blistering rash. Shingles isn’t contagious in the same way as colds or flu, but you can pass the chickenpox virus to someone who hasn’t had it before.

While most cases clear up within 2 to 4 weeks, early treatment can reduce the risk of longer-term nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia) and other complications.

Symptoms of Shingles

Shingles usually starts with a tingling or burning sensation before the rash appears. Symptoms can include:

• — Pain or sensitivity in a specific area of skin
• — A red rash that develops into fluid-filled blisters
• — Itching, stinging, or prickling sensations
• — Skin that’s tender or sensitive to touch
• — Fever, headache, or general fatigue in some cases

The rash typically appears on the chest, back, or face, and usually only affects one side of the body. If you think you may have shingles, early advice is key — and our pharmacists are here to help.

How to Treat Shingles

Shingles can be painful and uncomfortable, but there are ways to manage the symptoms and reduce the risk of complications — especially if treatment starts early.

Here’s how you can support recovery at home:

• — Get plenty of rest and stay hydrated
• — Keep the rash clean and dry to avoid infection
• — Wear loose clothing to reduce irritation
• — Use cool compresses to soothe discomfort
• — Avoid scratching – this can slow healing and increase the risk of scarring

Over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may help ease pain and reduce fever. In some cases, a GP may prescribe antiviral medication (like aciclovir) — these are most effective when taken within 72 hours of the rash appearing.

Our shingles Pharmacy First service is here to guide you through the options.

How Siddiqui Online Pharmacy Can Help

You don’t need to see a GP to get help with shingles. Through our Pharmacy First service, you can speak to a trained pharmacist quickly — all from the comfort of your home.

We’ll:

• — Assess your symptoms remotely via phone or video
• — Recommend suitable over-the-counter treatments
• — Offer expert advice on how to manage and soothe the rash
• — Refer you to your GP if antiviral medication may be needed

It’s NHS care made simple — and available without needing to visit the pharmacy in person.

Why Choose Siddiqui’s Pharmacy First Service?

Our goal is to make healthcare easier to access, especially for conditions like shingles where early support can make a real difference.

• — No GP appointment required
• — Same-day remote consultations available
• — Personalised guidance from qualified pharmacists
• — NHS-approved advice and referrals when needed

We provide fast, professional help for shingles through the Pharmacy First service — so you can feel more comfortable, sooner.

Book Your Pharmacy First Appointment Today

Think you might have shingles? Don’t wait and see — book your shingles Pharmacy First consultation today and speak to a pharmacist about your symptoms.