How to treat shingles

Quick Facts: You can be assessed and treated for shingles with Day Lewis through the Pharmacy First scheme. Treatment may include antiviral medications such as aciclovir, which help to speed up recovery and reduce the risk of complications. For the best results, seek pharmacy support within the first 3 days of the rash appearing. You’ll also get advice on self care and how to avoid spreading the virus to others.

Shingles is a viral infection that can be painful and disruptive. It develops when the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox, becomes active again in the body later in life. While shingles is common, many people aren’t sure what to do when it appears.

Getting the right support early can make a big difference to how the condition progresses and how quickly you recover. Acting promptly can also help to reduce the risk of longer-lasting complications.

In this guide, we explain how shingles is typically treated, when to seek advice and how your local pharmacy can support you throughout your recovery.

How can you treat shingles?

Treating shingles early can help to reduce how long it lasts. If you think you may have shingles, it’s important to seek advice as soon as possible, as treatment is most effective when started quickly.

Depending on the severity of your shingles symptoms and other factors such as your age and overall health, you may be given antiviral medication such as aciclovir or valaciclovir. These treatments work best when started within 72 hours (three days) of the rash appearing, so acting early is key.

In the UK, shingles can be assessed and often treated through the Pharmacy First scheme. This service allows trained pharmacists like our team at Day Lewis to provide advice and, where appropriate, supply treatment without you needing to see a GP. This is especially helpful for shingles, where time is of the essence for the best treatment outcomes.

In most cases, you won’t need to be referred to a GP or other healthcare professional afterwards – though your pharmacist will advise on what to do if your shingles gets worse or doesn’t improve after a week’s treatment.

Important! You may need to see specialist healthcare professionals if your rash is around your face or eyes. If this is the case, your pharmacist will refer you – you don’t have to manage this yourself.

After you’ve seen a pharmacist, you can also take steps to manage discomfort at home. This usually includes:

• Keeping the affected area clean and dry
• Wearing loose clothing over the affected area
• Managing pain with over-the-counter options such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or local anaesthetic creams if needed
• Working from home if possible or taking time off in order to get as much rest as you can during your recovery.

You’ll also be given advice on how to avoid spreading the varicella-zoster virus to others while you’re contagious, and you may be advised to get the shingles vaccine once you’re recovered.

How long do you feel unwell with shingles after treatment?

After starting treatment, most cases of shingles begin to improve within a few days, although the full recovery time can vary. For many people, the rash will heal within four weeks, though some pain may remain longer than that.

Antiviral medication can help to shorten the duration of the infection, especially when started early. While shingles treatment doesn’t make the condition disappear immediately, it can help the body to recover more efficiently.

The blisters typically dry out and form scabs within a few days, and the skin gradually heals after this. As the rash clears, any remaining sensitivity should ease over time.

Some people may continue to experience nerve-related discomfort after the rash has healed. This is more common in older adults, but symptoms usually improve with time and the right support. If you notice this yourself, you can speak to your pharmacist for more advice.

If you think you may have shingles, don’t hesitate to seek advice – starting treatment early can make a real difference to how quickly you recover. Your local pharmacy can offer convenient support and guide you on the best next steps to help you manage symptoms with confidence.