Health Insights · Dermatology
Shingles: a painful rash that needs early treatment
Shingles is the chickenpox virus reactivating in a nerve, producing a painful, blistering rash in a band on one side of the body. Antiviral treatment works, but only if it is started early — which is why this is worth acting on today rather than waiting to see how it goes.
Contact us the same day, or go to an emergency department, if
- the rash is on the face, around an eye, or on the tip of the nose — the eye can be affected and needs urgent assessment
- you have eye pain, redness or any change in vision
- there is weakness of the face, hearing loss, ringing or vertigo, with a rash in or around the ear
- you have a weakened immune system, are having chemotherapy, or take immune-suppressing medicine
- you are pregnant, or the rash is widespread rather than in one band
- you have a severe headache, confusion or drowsiness
Shingles affecting the eye can threaten sight and needs same-day ophthalmology assessment. In an emergency call 999, or go to the Royal London Hospital Emergency Department, Whitechapel Road, London E1 1FR.
Antivirals work best within 72 hours
If antiviral tablets are appropriate for you, they should ideally be started within three days of the rash appearing. They shorten the illness and reduce the chance of long-lasting nerve pain afterwards. Beyond 72 hours the benefit falls away sharply, though treatment may still be given if new blisters are still forming or you are in a higher-risk group. If you think you have shingles, contact us today rather than at the weekend.
Recognising it
Shingles usually begins with burning, tingling, itching or unusual sensitivity in one area of skin, often two to three days before anything is visible. A rash then appears in a band on one side of the body or face, following the path of a single nerve. It does not cross the midline. Blisters form, then dry and crust over roughly seven to ten days later.
Easing it
- Paracetamol is the usual first choice. Shingles pain is nerve pain and often needs more — tell us if simple painkillers are not controlling it, as there are effective alternatives.
- Keep the rash clean and dry. Wear loose cotton clothing to reduce rubbing.
- A cool compress several times a day soothes the area. Do not use heat.
- Do not use antibiotic cream, which slows healing. Calamine lotion can relieve itching.
- Cover the rash with a loose, non-sticky dressing when you are around other people.
- Try not to scratch or burst the blisters — this increases scarring and the risk of bacterial infection.
Who you need to stay away from
You cannot catch shingles from someone. But someone who has never had chickenpox, and has not been vaccinated against it, can catch chickenpox from contact with your blister fluid.
- Until the rash has fully crusted over, avoid pregnant women who have not had chickenpox, newborn babies, and anyone with a weakened immune system.
- Keeping the rash covered greatly reduces the risk to others.
- You are not infectious once every blister has dried and crusted.
- You do not need to stay off work or school provided the rash can be covered and you feel well enough — unless your work brings you into contact with the groups above.
Nerve pain afterwards
Some people are left with pain in the area after the rash has healed, known as post-herpetic neuralgia. It is more common with increasing age and with more severe initial pain. It usually improves over months, and there are specific treatments that work far better than ordinary painkillers — so it is worth coming back rather than enduring it.
The shingles vaccine
Vaccination substantially reduces the chance of getting shingles and of developing long-term nerve pain if you do. It is offered on the NHS from a particular age, and to people aged 50 and over with a significantly weakened immune system. The eligible ages have changed as the programme has been rolled out, so ask us or your GP practice where you currently stand — and note that having had shingles does not prevent you having it again, so vaccination is still worth discussing afterwards.
Book an appointment today if you have a new painful rash on one side of the body, particularly if it is near the eye, if pain is not controlled, or if you want to discuss vaccination. We can assess you, start antivirals within the window, and arrange same-day ophthalmology if the eye is involved.
Same-day private treatment for shingles in East London
Shingles causes a painful, blistering rash on one side of the body, and antiviral treatment works best when started within 72 hours — so seeing someone quickly matters. A same-day private GP in East London can diagnose and treat it, and advise on pain relief, with our dermatology service for troublesome rashes. Shingles around the eye, or in someone with a weakened immune system, needs urgent assessment. Shingles is assessed at our private hospital in Whitechapel, East London, close to Canary Wharf, the City and Tower Hamlets.
Shingles: why antivirals work best started early
Why is early treatment important for shingles?
Antivirals are most effective started within 72 hours of the rash, reducing severity and the risk of lingering nerve pain.
When is shingles urgent?
A rash near the eye, widespread rash, or shingles with a weakened immune system needs urgent assessment.
Is shingles contagious?
You cannot catch shingles, but the fluid can cause chickenpox in someone who has never had it; keep the rash covered.
Can I be seen the same day?
Yes — same-day private GP appointments are available most days, which helps start treatment promptly.
Where can I get shingles treated near me in East London?
A same-day private GP at our Whitechapel clinic, near Canary Wharf and the City, can start antiviral treatment quickly.
Can shingles affect the eye?
Yes — shingles around the eye needs prompt assessment; our eye service and GP team can help without delay.
Antivirals work best in the first 72 hours
Same-day appointments most days, 7 days a week, 9am–7pm, on Whitechapel Road.