A pharmacist has issued a warning to the public about shingles, a common “dormant” condition that affects one in three adults at some point in their lives.
Niamh McMillan, Superdrug’s Pharmacy Superintendent, said: “Many people who have had chickenpox may not know that the virus remains dormant in their system and can reactivate later in life as shingles. It’s important to recognise the early signs and seek treatment, as untreated shingles can lead to serious, long-lasting complications.
“Shingles can be a condition which lasts several weeks that can strike at any time, particularly in people over 50, those with weakened immune systems, or individuals under stress. While symptoms may start mildly, untreated shingles can lead to long-term discomfort and complications.”
The first sign of shingles is often a tingling or burning sensation, usually in a localised area of the body.
This discomfort can persist for days before any visible symptoms appear,” explains Niamh. “The sensation usually follows a specific nerve, making it feel more intense and different from general skin irritation or muscle aches.”
A red rash that doesn’t heal is another early sign of shingles. A tell-tale sign of shingles is a rash that begins as small, red patches before developing into fluid-filled blisters. Niamh explained: “This rash tends to appear on one side of the body or face, often in a linear pattern.
“If you’ve had chickenpox in the past, these blisters can pop suddenly, so it’s important not to scratch or pop them. They can cause severe discomfort, particularly for older adults.”
She added that persistent pain, even after the rash clears, is another symptom: “One of the more severe symptoms of shingles is called postherpetic neuralgia, which is long-term nerve pain that can last months or even years after the rash heals. It can feel like a burning, throbbing, or sharp stabbing sensation, and even gentle touches to the area can trigger extreme pain.
“If left untreated, postherpetic neuralgia can interfere with daily activities, making it difficult to sleep, concentrate, or engage in usual activities.”
Niamh emphasised the importance of early treatment, saying: “This pain can be debilitating, and it’s a major reason why seeking early treatment for shingles is so important.
“Shingles typically comes to light when the body’s immune defences are lowered, such as during times of stress or illness. It’s vital to treat shingles early to avoid complications like long-lasting nerve pain or eye problems.”
Pharmacy First is a service that allows pharmacists to offer professional healthcare advice, treatments, and medicines for seven common ailments, negating the need for a GP visit. The conditions that can be treated include sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles, and minor urinary tract infections in women. Superdrug provides private consultation rooms in all its pharmacies to facilitate this service and provide healthcare advice.
