Shingles (Pharmacy First)

Shingles Treatment | NHS Pharmacy First Service | Allied Pharmacies

Shingles is a painful viral infection that causes a blistering rash, usually affecting one side of the body or face. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After someone has had chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate later in life as shingles.

At Allied Pharmacies, trained pharmacists can assess symptoms and provide treatment for shingles through the NHS Pharmacy First service, allowing eligible patients to receive treatment without needing a GP appointment.

Use the postcode search above to find your nearest Allied Pharmacy offering shingles treatment.

What Is Shingles?

Shingles (herpes zoster) is an infection that causes a painful rash with fluid-filled blisters that usually appears on one side of the body.

The infection develops when the chickenpox virus reactivates in the nerve tissue years after the original infection.

Common symptoms of shingles include:

• Pain, burning or tingling in the affected area
• A red rash that develops into blisters
• Sensitivity to touch
• Headache or fever
• Fatigue or feeling unwell

The rash usually appears a few days after the initial pain or tingling sensation.

Who Can Access Pharmacy First Treatment For Shingles?

You may be eligible for treatment through the NHS Pharmacy First service if you:

• Are aged 18 years or older 
• Have symptoms consistent with shingles
• Have developed a rash within the last few days

Your pharmacist will assess your symptoms and determine whether treatment through the Pharmacy First pathway is appropriate.

How the Pharmacy First Shingles Service Works

Getting treatment for shingles at Allied Pharmacies is simple.

Consultation - The pharmacist will ask questions about your symptoms, medical history and when the rash started.

Assessment - The pharmacist may examine the rash to confirm whether shingles is the likely diagnosis.

Treatment - If appropriate, the pharmacist may supply antiviral medication or other treatments through the Pharmacy First service.

Referral if Needed - If the symptoms require further medical investigation, you may be referred to a GP or other healthcare professional.

Pharmacy First allows patients to receive fast access to treatment and professional healthcare advice close to home.

When Should You Seek Medical Advice?

You should seek urgent medical advice if:

• The rash appears near your eyes or face 
• Pain is severe or worsening
• The rash spreads widely across the body
• You have a weakened immune system
• Symptoms do not improve with treatment

Early treatment can help reduce the risk of complications.

Why Choose Allied Pharmacies?

Allied Pharmacies provide accessible healthcare services across communities throughout the UK.

Our pharmacies offer:

• Highly trained pharmacists experienced in minor illness treatment 
• Fast access to treatment through the NHS Pharmacy First service 
• Private consultation rooms for confidential care 
• Convenient local pharmacy locations

Pharmacy First services allow patients to receive professional healthcare advice and treatment quickly without waiting for a GP appointment.

Find Shingles Treatment Near You

Shingles consultations and treatment through the NHS Pharmacy First service are available at participating Allied Pharmacies across England.

Use the postcode search above to find your nearest pharmacy offering shingles treatment and professional healthcare advice.

Our pharmacists provide fast access to treatment to help reduce symptoms and support recovery.