Pharmacy services

Shingles

What is shingles?

Shingles is an infection that is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. It is a skin infection that can spread between people. If you have shingles, there is a chance that other people can catch chickenpox from you.

Shingles causes a rash to appear on your skin. It usually affects one side of your body.

Other symptoms include:

  • Tingling
  • Pain
  • Headaches
  • Itchy blisters.

It can take up to a month for your rash to heal but it can take up to a month for all your symptoms to clear. They can be managed with medicine.

How can I get treatment if I think I have shingles?

If you think you have shingles, you can head into your local Well Pharmacy for treatment. We offer a free service and pharmacist-led treatment and advice as part of our Pharmacy First scheme.

You don’t need to arrange an appointment before visiting your pharmacy branch. Our team will assess you in a private consultation room and offer you treatment and advice if you need it.

The service is free. You’ll only need to pay for your prescription, if you’re given one. If you are usually exempt from paying for prescriptions, then you won’t need to pay for any treatment or medicine prescribed through the service.

Who can access Pharmacy First services for shingles?

Our shingles service is only available for people over the age of 18.

If you suspect that your child has chickenpox, arrange to speak to your GP or call NHS 111. It’s important that your child stays away from school or public places until their spots scab over.

Get help for your shingles at your local Well

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