Shingles
Background to shingles
Shingles occurs when dormant Varicella-zoster viruses are reactivated. These viruses initially cause a chickenpox infection and then remain in the nerve endings in a non-harmful state for the rest of a person’s life. When the immune system is weakened, some people develop shingles, where the viruses reactivate and cause a different illness from the initial chickenpox.
What is the impact of shingles?
Shingles affects the nerve endings, so the first symptom is therefore often pain, burning and itching in the area where the virus has been reactivated. Shingles usually only occurs in one or two areas of the body directly next to each other, and usually only on one side of the body, often creating lines or bands on the torso or limbs.
After this, red patches will develop in the affected area, and blisters will then form, burst and crust on top of this. Sometimes the red patches will join together. The pain can be very severe, and if not treated appropriately, patients can develop “post-herpetic neuralgia”, a condition where the shingles-like pain persists, even after the rash has cleared.
Treatments
- It is important to start treatment for shingles quickly if it is needed- don’t delay in booking an appointment.
- Younger patients with less severe symptoms can often manage their symptoms with standard over-the-counter pain relief.
- cannot be managed with over-the-counter treatments, antiviral medications may be prescribed by our clinicians.
- Book an appointment below to discuss your symptoms with one of our clinicians.
- NOTE: Patients from the age of 18 may be eligible for supply of antivirals through the NHS Pharmacy First service- please book an appointment below and ask the clinician you speak to whether this service will cover your needs. Please be aware that this service MUST be done as a video call. The consultation fee deposit is refundable if the clinician confirms eligibility for Pharmacy First service.
For more information
Visit the NHS website
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