Shingles
Fast NHS Treatment for Shingles – No GP Appointment Needed
Shingles is a painful skin rash caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus. It can lead to discomfort, nerve pain, and flu-like symptoms — and requires prompt treatment to reduce the risk of complications.
With Pharmacy First, you can now access treatment for shingles online, without needing to book a GP appointment. At Crosshills Delivery Pharmacy, our trained pharmacists offer virtual consultations to assess your symptoms and, if appropriate, supply prescription medication with fast delivery to your door.
What Is Pharmacy First?
Pharmacy First is an NHS initiative that allows patients to receive treatment for common health conditions directly from a pharmacist — without needing to visit a GP.
At Crosshills Delivery Pharmacy, this means:
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Online consultations with a trained UK pharmacist
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Prescription-only treatment for shingles if appropriate
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Fast, discreet UK delivery to your home
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Free NHS care for eligible patients
You’ll get professional support quickly, safely, and from the comfort of your home.
What Is Shingles?
Shingles (also called herpes zoster) is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you recover from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in your body and can reactivate years later as shingles.
Shingles typically affects a small area on one side of the body or face, causing a painful rash and nerve-related symptoms. It is more common in people over 50, or in those with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms of Shingles
Shingles usually begins with unusual sensations in a specific area of skin, followed by the appearance of a rash. Symptoms include:
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Burning, tingling, or shooting pain
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A red rash that develops into fluid-filled blisters
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Sensitivity to touch
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Itching or irritation
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Fever, headache, or fatigue (in some cases)
The rash usually forms a band on one side of the body (commonly on the torso or face) and may take 2–4 weeks to heal.
Is Shingles Contagious?
You cannot catch shingles from someone else — but the virus can be spread to someone who has never had chickenpox, causing them to develop chickenpox (not shingles). To avoid spreading the virus:
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Keep the rash covered
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Avoid contact with pregnant people, newborns, or immunocompromised individuals
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Wash hands regularly
How We Can Help
At Crosshills Delivery Pharmacy, our virtual Pharmacy First service makes it easy to access treatment without visiting a GP. Through a secure online consultation, our pharmacists can:
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Assess your symptoms via video or phone
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Offer clinical advice and self-care recommendations
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Supply antiviral medication(e.g. aciclovir) if suitable and within the early stages of infection
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Arrange quick, discreet delivery to your home
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Refer you to a GP if further medical support is needed
Early treatment is most effective when started within 72 hours of the rash appearing — so we recommend booking a consultation as soon as symptoms begin.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Help
While most cases of shingles can be treated at home, you should seek immediate medical attention if:
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The rash is near your eyes or affects your vision
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You experience severe pain or widespread rash
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You are immunocompromised
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You develop signs of infection (e.g. pus, increased redness or swelling)
Our pharmacists will guide you during your virtual consultation and refer you if necessary.
Book Your Online Consultation for Shingles
If you’re experiencing signs of shingles, don’t wait. With Pharmacy First at Crosshills Delivery Pharmacy, you can speak to a trained pharmacist online and access treatment — all without the need to see a GP in person.
Book a virtual consultation today and, if suitable, we’ll deliver treatment straight to your door.
