Shingles

Shingles occurs when the chickenpox virus becomes active again in your body, this can be caused by illness, stress, or treatments that lower the immune system. Shingles cannot be passed onto other people; however, people may catch chickenpox from you if they have not had it before.

Shingles can cause pain in the affected area that becomes a rash of red blisters that then dry into scabs (this can look like chickenpox); the rash is usually only on one side of the body. It can also cause symptoms that develop a few days before the onset of the rash, these include:

· Headache

· Burning, tingling, numbness, or itchiness of the skin

· Feeling generally unwell

· High temperature

Treatment

Treatment is dependent on how severe your symptoms are, a mild rash would not require treatment.

You may need antiviral medication if:

· You have a weakened immune system.

· The pain or rash is moderate to severe.

· The rash is affecting areas of your body outside of your chest, tummy and back.

You can treat shingles yourself by:

· Paracetamol to ease pain.

· Keep the rash clean and dry to treat infection.

· Wear loose fitting clothing.

· Use a cold compress a few times a day.

Upon booking an appointment you are required to fill out the form which will be included in the confirmation email (in the form of a link).

This appointment does not guarantee you will be prescribed medication, this is dependent on the pharmacists opinion as to the whether it is suitable.