Recognising the Symptoms of Shingles

Shingles typically starts with a burning, tingling, or itching sensation before the rash appears.

Common symptoms include:

• Painful rash – Appears as red, fluid-filled blisters that form a stripe along one side of the body.
• Itching or tingling sensation – Often felt before the rash appears.
• Burning or stabbing pain – Can be mild to severe.
• Flu-like symptoms – Fever, headache, and fatigue may occur.

Early treatment can help reduce the severity and duration of shingles.

How Pharmacy First Can Help

At Blackpool Express Chemist, we provide fast and effective treatment to manage shingles symptoms and prevent complications.

Through the Pharmacy First Service, we can treat:

• Adults aged 18 and over with mild to moderate shingles (a localised rash affecting only one side of the body).
• Cases where symptoms started within the last 72 hours (as antiviral treatment is most effective within this timeframe).
• Patients needing expert guidance on managing pain and preventing complications.

Visit a GP or A&E instead if you experience:

• A widespread rash or severe symptoms affecting multiple areas of the body.
• Shingles near the eyes, nose, or forehead (as this can cause complications affecting vision).
• Severe pain that is worsening or unbearable despite treatment.
  A weakened immune system (e.g., due to chemotherapy, HIV, or long-term steroid use).

If we determine that your shingles require a GP assessment, our pharmacists can refer you for further treatment.

How Do You Catch Shingles? Is It Contagious?

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus—the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus stays dormant in the body and can reactivate later in life as shingles.

You cannot “catch” shingles from someone else, but a person with shingles can spread the virus to someone who has never had chickenpox. In this case, the exposed person wouldn’t develop shingles but would develop chickenpox instead.

Who is at risk of getting chickenpox from a shingles patient?

• Pregnant women who have never had chickenpox.
• Newborn babies.
• People with a weakened immune system (e.g., cancer patients, transplant recipients).

How does it spread?

Shingles is contagious only when the rash is in its blistering phase. The virus spreads through:

• Direct contact with open blisters – Once the blisters scab over, it’s no longer contagious.
• Touching contaminated objects – Items like towels, clothing, or bedding used by someone with shingles can spread the virus if they come into contact with an open blister.

You CANNOT catch shingles from:

❌ Someone who has shingles (if you’ve already had chickenpox).
❌ Sneezing, coughing, or casual contact.

What Should I Know While Waiting for Shingles Treatment?

If you suspect you have shingles and are waiting for treatment, there are a few important things to keep in mind to manage symptoms and prevent spreading the virus:

• Start treatment early – Antiviral medication works best within 72 hours of symptoms appearing. Visit Blackpool Express Chemist as soon as possible.
• Keep the rash covered – Reducing exposure to others lowers the risk of spreading the virus.
• Avoid touching or scratching blisters – This helps prevent secondary bacterial infections.
• Wash your hands regularly – Good hygiene stops the virus from spreading to others.
• Rest and manage stress – Stress can worsen symptoms, so try to rest and stay hydrated.
• Avoid close contact with high-risk individuals – Especially pregnant women, newborns, and immunocompromised individuals.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing – This can prevent irritation over affected areas.