Early care to reduce pain and complications.
Shingles often begins with a strange tingling or burning feeling and quickly turns into a painful skin rash that disrupts your daily life. Acting early can make a real difference. At Oakwood Pharmacy, we offer fast access to shingles treatment, helping you manage symptoms and recover more comfortably.
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After you recover from chickenpox, the virus remains inactive in your body and can reactivate later in life.
This reactivation leads to a painful rash, usually affecting one side of the body. While shingles is not typically serious, it can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications if not treated early.
Recognising the signs of shingles early is important, as treatment works best when started quickly.
Common shingles symptoms include:
The stages of shingles usually begin with pain, followed by a rash, then scabbing and healing over a few weeks.
You can access shingles treatment through the Pharmacy First if you:
Our pharmacist will assess your symptoms and timing to ensure treatment is suitable. If needed, you will be referred to a GP or another healthcare service for further care.
Shingles itself cannot be passed from person to person. However, the virus can spread and cause chickenpox in someone who has not had it before or has not been vaccinated.
Shingles is considered infectious while the rash is blistering and oozing. It’s best to:
At Oakwood Pharmacy, we can provide:

Starting treatment within the first few days can reduce the risk of complications and shorten recovery time.
Choose your date and service, and we’ll take care of the rest. Expert support is just a booking away.
Alongside treatment, simple steps can help ease discomfort:
If you’re concerned about future risk, shingles vaccinations are available. It reduces your chances of developing shingles and can make symptoms milder if it does occur. Our team at Oakwood Pharmacy can advise if the vaccine is suitable for you.
If you suspect shingles, quick access to care is key.
At Oakwood Pharmacy, you benefit from:
We’re here to support you with timely care and clear guidance.
Visit our pharmacy in Woodhouse Eaves for expert shingles care without the wait. We conveniently serve residents from surrounding areas, including Loughborough, Quorn, Mountsorrel, Coalville, Barrow upon Soar, and Woodhouse.
Don’t delay; early treatment can make a real difference to your recovery.
Early signs include tingling, burning pain, or sensitivity in one area, often followed by a rash a few days later.
Shingles typically lasts 2 to 4 weeks, although pain may persist longer in some cases.
Yes, under the NHS Pharmacy First, adults aged 18 and over can be assessed and treated, especially if seen within 3 days of the rash appearing.
Shingles itself is not contagious, but the virus can cause chickenpox in people who have not had it before.
Antiviral treatment is often recommended, especially if started early, to speed recovery and reduce complications.
Yes, although uncommon, shingles can occur more than once.
Yes, a shingles vaccination is available and can help reduce your risk or make symptoms milder if you develop it.