Shingles is a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the same virus that causes chickenpox. Through NHS Pharmacy First, a pharmacist in Crewe can assess it quickly without a GP appointment, and with shingles, timing really does count.

Why acting early matters

Antiviral treatment works best when it begins early, generally within the first three days of the rash appearing. That is precisely why it is worth contacting us as soon as you suspect shingles rather than waiting to see how it develops.

How it shows itself

Shingles often opens with tingling, burning or pain in one area on one side of the body. A few days later a band of red blotches appears in the same spot, turning into itchy, fluid-filled blisters. It characteristically stays on one side and does not cross the middle of the body. Some people also feel generally run down.

What the pharmacist will do

The pharmacist assesses your symptoms, how long they have been present and your medical history. Where it is clinically appropriate and caught early enough, antiviral treatment can be supplied directly under the NHS pathway. If your circumstances call for a different route, for example if you are immunosuppressed, they will arrange that without delay.

Staying comfortable

Pain relief, along with keeping the rash clean and dry, helps while it heals. Keep the rash covered, as the fluid in the blisters can pass chickenpox to anyone who has not had it. The pharmacist will advise you on this.

When to seek urgent help

Seek urgent help if the rash is near an eye or on the face, if you have a weakened immune system, if you are pregnant, or if you feel very unwell — these situations need prompt medical attention.

Symptoms

A painful, blistering rash usually on one side of the body, often preceded by tingling or burning in the same area.

What the pharmacist can do

Our pharmacist assesses your symptoms and, where appropriate and caught early enough, can supply NHS antiviral treatment without a GP appointment.

When to see a GP or seek urgent help

Seek urgent help if the rash is near an eye or on the face, you have a weakened immune system, you are pregnant, or you feel very unwell.