Shingles
Shingles Treatment at Ham Pharmacy Group in Richmond & Kingston
Shingles can be painful, uncomfortable, and worrying — but help is available quickly and locally. At Ham Pharmacy Group, our trained pharmacists at Ham Parade Pharmacy, Ham Common Pharmacy, and Ham Village Pharmacy provide fast and effective shingles treatment through the NHS Pharmacy First. This means you can access expert advice and care for shingles symptoms without needing to wait for a GP appointment.
What Is Shingles?
Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person has chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate later in life as shingles. It often begins with tingling or pain in a patch of skin, sometimes alongside a headache or feeling generally unwell. A shingles rash typically appears a few days later, forming clusters of itchy blisters that ooze fluid before scabbing over. While it usually affects one side of the body, it can occur on the chest, back, face, or even around the eyes. In some cases, shingles can occur without a rash.
Signs and Stages of Shingles
Recognising the signs of shingles early helps manage the infection more effectively. Symptoms and stages include:
- Tingling, burning, or painful skin in a specific area
- Red blotches or rash appearing on one side of the body
- Itchy blisters that ooze and then scab over
- Pain that may continue after the rash has healed (post-herpetic neuralgia)
The stages of shingles progress from tingling → rash → blistering → scabbing → healing. Pain may last for weeks after the visible rash disappears.
Shingles Treatment and Relief
Through Pharmacy First, our pharmacists can provide tailored support, including:
- Advice on whether antiviral tablets may be appropriate (these may be prescribed if you have a weakened immune system, severe pain, or rashes in sensitive areas)
- Recommendations for pain relief
- Guidance on medicines for nerve pain, if required
At home, you can ease symptoms by:
- Taking paracetamol for pain relief
- Keeping the rash clean and dry
- Wearing loose-fitting clothing
- Applying cool compresses
- Avoiding scratching, sticky dressings, and close contact with vulnerable people while the rash is still oozing
Shingles Vaccine for Protection
The shingles vaccine can reduce your risk of developing shingles and make symptoms milder if it does occur.
NHS eligibility includes:
- Adults who turned 65 on or after 1 September 2023
- Adults aged 70–79 who haven’t previously received the vaccine
- Adults aged 50+ with a weakened immune system
If you are not eligible for the NHS vaccine, Ham Pharmacy Group also offers private shingles vaccine services. Anyone aged 50 and above can get the private shingles jab at our pharmacies.
Why Choose Ham Pharmacy Group?
- Pharmacy First Provider – Quick access to shingles treatment without a GP appointment.
- Three Convenient Pharmacies – Available at Ham Parade, Ham Common, and Ham Village Pharmacies.
- Expert Advice – Trained pharmacists offering safe, evidence-based care.
- Community Care – Serving Richmond, Kingston, Teddington, New Malden, Surbiton, Twickenham, Isleworth, Hampton, Molesey, Thames Ditton, Long Ditton, Tolworth, Sunbury-on-Thames, Walton-on-Thames, Esher, Hersham, and Worcester Park.
Book Your Pharmacy First Appointment
Don’t let shingles take over your life. Visit us at any of our pharmacies: Ham Parade, Ham Common, or Ham Village today for fast shingles treatment, expert advice, and access to the shingles vaccine for lasting protection.
FAQs
Tingling, burning, or painful skin in one area, followed by a rash and blisters.
Yes. While you cannot “catch” shingles, someone who hasn’t had chickenpox could develop it after contact with fluid from shingles blisters.
Antiviral tablets (in some cases), pain relief, and keeping the rash clean and dry.
Anyone aged 50 and above can get the private shingles vaccine at Ham Pharmacy Group.
At Ham Parade, Ham Common, and Ham Village Pharmacies under Pharmacy First.
