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Shingles

A painful, blistering rash on one side of the body. Antivirals help most if started early.

Speak to a GP about shinglesFrom £79

In short

Shingles is a painful one-sided blistering rash caused by the chickenpox virus reactivating. Antiviral treatment helps most when started within 72 hours, so prompt assessment matters, especially if the eye is involved.

Overview

What is shingles?

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox, reactivating years later. It produces a painful, blistering rash in a band on one side of the body or face. It's more common and more severe with age. Early antiviral treatment reduces severity and the risk of lasting nerve pain.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

  • Pain, tingling, or burning in one area, often before the rash
  • A rash on one side of the body or face, in a band
  • Fluid-filled blisters that crust over
  • Sensitivity of the skin in the affected area
  • Sometimes a headache or feeling unwell

When to act

When to see a doctor

Book promptly, ideally within 72 hours of the rash, so antivirals can be started. Seek urgent help for shingles affecting the eye or forehead, severe headache or confusion, or in anyone immunosuppressed.

When to seek urgent help

Seek urgent help if

  • Shingles affecting the eye, forehead, or tip of the nose (possible eye involvement, seek urgent care)
  • Shingles with severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, or weakness
  • A widespread rash, or shingles in someone with a weakened immune system
  • Severe pain not controlled by usual painkillers

Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies or NHS 111 for urgent non-emergency advice.

Treatment

How a private GP can help

  • Prompt diagnosis from the typical one-sided rash
  • Prescription of antiviral tablets, most effective within 72 hours of the rash
  • Pain relief advice, including for nerve pain
  • Guidance on keeping the rash clean and reducing spread risk
  • Advice on who is most at risk of complications
  • Referral or urgent care guidance for eye or complicated shingles

What we don't do

  • Urgent treatment of eye (ophthalmic) shingles (needs urgent eye care)
  • Hospital treatment of severe or disseminated shingles (referred on)

Pricing

What it costs

An online consultation about shingles starts at £79 for a 20-minute video appointment. In-pharmacy consultations are £129 and home visits are £189. Your consultation includes one private prescription if appropriate, and a sick note for work if needed. You pay the pharmacy separately for any medication.

See full pricing breakdown

FAQ

Common questions about shingles

How soon should I be treated?
As soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours of the rash appearing. Antivirals work best when started early and can reduce the severity and the risk of lingering nerve pain.
Is shingles contagious?
You can't catch shingles from someone, but the fluid in the blisters can give chickenpox to someone who's never had it or been vaccinated. Keep the rash covered until it crusts.
What is post-herpetic neuralgia?
It's nerve pain that can persist after the rash heals. Early antiviral treatment lowers the risk, and we can advise on managing nerve pain if it occurs.
Can I get it more than once?
Usually shingles happens once, but it can recur. A vaccine is available for older adults, ask about eligibility.
See all conditions we can help with

Ready to talk to a GP about shingles?

Message Emily on WhatsApp or book online in under 90 seconds. UK-registered doctors, available today.

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