Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a painful skin condition caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. It typically presents as a painful rash with fluid-filled blisters and can be associated with various symptoms including headache, tingling or numbness, and fever. Shingles usually affects a specific area of the body corresponding to the affected nerve.
Treatment for shingles focuses on managing symptoms and includes keeping the rash clean and dry, wearing loose clothing, using cool damp cloths to soothe the skin, and applying calamine lotion to reduce itching. Pain relief can be achieved with medications like paracetamol, ibuprofen, opioids, antidepressants, or anticonvulsants. In some cases, antiviral medications may be prescribed to help speed up recovery and reduce the severity of symptoms.
Preventing the spread of shingles is important, as the virus can be transmitted to individuals who have not had chickenpox before, potentially causing them to develop chickenpox. Avoiding contact with vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, individuals with weakened immune systems, and infants is recommended.
Complications of shingles can occur, especially in older adults or those with weakened immune systems. These may include postherpetic neuralgia (persistent nerve pain), eye problems, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, bacterial infection of the rash, and in rare cases, complications affecting internal organs such as pneumonia, hepatitis, encephalitis, or meningitis.
Getting advice from a GP or pharmacist
Contact your GP practice if:
You haven’t had chickenpox before, you’ve been exposed to someone who has chickenpox or shingles and you:
- are pregnant
- have a weakened immune system (the body’s natural defence system)
- are under 18 years old
If your GP is closed, phone 111.
Speak to a pharmacist if:
- you’re 18 years or over and have symptoms of shingles
If the pharmacist cannot treat you they may recommend you see your GP.
SHINGRIX VACCINE
At Gilbride Pharmacy, we provide provide shingles vaccination using Shingrix, a highly effective non-live vaccine manufactured by GSK. Shingrix is recommended for adults aged 50 and over to protect against shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia, which is long-lasting nerve pain following a shingles outbreak. It can also be administered to adults aged 18 and over who are at an increased risk of shingles.
Shingrix is an inactivated vaccine with a remarkable effectiveness rate of over 90% in preventing shingles infection and over 88% in preventing the debilitating complication of post-herpetic neuralgia. Unlike Zostavax (see below), Shingrix maintains its effectiveness regardless of age.
Shingles (gilbridepharmacy.co.uk)