Shingles

Shingles Advice and Treatment Through the Pharmacy First Service in Wymeswold

 

At Wymeswold Pharmacy, we provide expert advice and NHS-funded treatment for shingles. If you think you may have shingles, early treatment can help speed up recovery and reduce the risk of complications. Book your appointment online today for a consultation with our pharmacist.

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Who is Eligible for Shingles Treatment Under the Free NHS Pharmacy First Service?

 

The Pharmacy First - Shingles Service at Wymeswold Pharmacy is available to:

• Adults aged 18 years and over who show symptoms of shingles.

• Eligibility Assessment: Our pharmacy team will assess your eligibility for NHS-funded treatment. If you are not eligible, we can recommend private treatment options or refer you to a suitable healthcare provider.

You can book an appointment online by selecting a convenient time and date.

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What is Shingles?

 

Shingles is an infection caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox (varicella-zoster virus). After recovering from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate later in life, causing shingles. This condition results in a painful rash, which usually appears on one side of the body or face. Shingles can last between 2 to 4 weeks, with some people experiencing pain even after the rash has healed.

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Main Symptoms of Shingles

 

Shingles symptoms often start with:

• A tingling or painful sensation on one side of the body.

• A rash that turns into itchy blisters filled with fluid.

• The rash typically appears on the chest, tummy, or face.

Other symptoms may include fever, headache, and feeling generally unwell. If the rash affects your eye or ear, you should seek urgent medical attention.

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Available Treatments for Shingles Through the Pharmacy First Service

 

During your consultation at Wymeswold Pharmacy, a pharmacist will assess your symptoms and may offer the following treatments:

• Antiviral Medication
  Antiviral tablets may be prescribed to reduce the severity and duration of shingles. These work best when taken within the first 3 days of the rash appearing.

• Pain Relief
  Over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol can help manage pain, and cool compresses may provide relief from itching and discomfort.

Note: If a prescription medicine is issued, the standard NHS prescription charge applies unless you qualify for free prescriptions.

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How to Manage Shingles Symptoms at Home

 

To ease the symptoms of shingles:

• Do: Take paracetamol to relieve pain, keep the rash clean and dry, wear loose clothing, and apply cool compresses.

• Don’t: Let dressings or plasters stick to the rash, and avoid using antibiotic creams as they may slow healing.

 

Avoiding Transmission

 

Shingles itself is not contagious, but someone who has never had chickenpox could catch it from you if they come into contact with your blisters. To prevent the spread of the virus, avoid close contact with:

• Pregnant women who have not had chickenpox

• People with weakened immune systems

• Babies under 1 month old

 

Learn More About Shingles

 

For more information on shingles, visit the official NHS Shingles Information Page.