Shingles treatment is available at all three Anna Pharmacy branches:
398 Green Wrythe Lane
Carshalton Sutton
SM5 1JF
United Kingdom
186 London Rd, Hackbridge
Wallington
SM6 7FW
United Kingdom
We also welcome patients travelling from the surrounding areas, including Croydon, Richmond, Epsom, Stoneleigh, and Wallington. Whichever branch is most convenient for you, our team is ready to help.
Shingles is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After someone has had chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the nervous system. In some people, often when the immune system is under pressure from stress, illness, or age, the virus reactivates and causes shingles.
You cannot catch shingles from someone who has it. However, if you have never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine, you can catch chickenpox from direct contact with a shingles rash. For a full clinical overview of shingles and its management, the NHS provides reliable guidance at www.nhs.uk/conditions/shingles.
Shingles often begins with warning signs before the rash even appears. Recognising these early can make a real difference to how quickly you get treatment.
A rash typically appears a few days after the initial symptoms. It usually develops on one side of the body only, commonly on the chest, abdomen, or back, though it can appear on the face, near the eye, or elsewhere. The rash starts as red blotches that develop into itchy, fluid-filled blisters before drying out and crusting over.
Skin in the affected area can remain painful for weeks after the rash has healed. In rare cases, shingles can cause pain without a rash appearing at all.
Our pharmacists can assess shingles in adults aged 18 and over and prescribe antiviral treatment directly. Here is what to expect when you book your appointment:
Our pharmacist will assess your rash, ask about your symptoms and how long you have had them, and confirm whether shingles is the likely diagnosis. Timing is important here, so do not delay booking.
If treatment is clinically appropriate, our pharmacists can prescribe antiviral tablets. These work best when started within three days of the rash appearing, so early assessment gives you the best chance of a faster recovery.
Shingles can be genuinely painful. We can advise on pain relief options including paracetamol and other medicines that help manage nerve pain, as well as practical self-care measures to keep you as comfortable as possible while you recover.
If you have had shingles before or are concerned about your risk of developing it, our team can also advise on shingles vaccination options. Eligible patients may qualify for the NHS shingles vaccine, and private vaccination services are also available at Anna Pharmacy for those who do not meet NHS eligibility criteria.
Some situations require urgent GP or hospital assessment rather than pharmacy treatment. If your symptoms indicate this, we will advise you clearly and make sure you know exactly what to do next.
Do:
Do Not:
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