Shingles
Get expert care and relief from shingles. Alisha Pharmacy provides professional advice and treatment to manage symptoms and support a comfortable recovery.

What is Shingles?
Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus—the same virus responsible for chickenpox. Once a person has had chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in nerve tissues and can reactivate years later, leading to a painful shingles rash. The risk increases with age or weakened immunity, making shingles causes more prevalent among older adults and those with underlying health conditions.
Signs and Symptoms of Shingles
Recognising early shingles symptoms is essential for prompt treatment. Stages of shingles generally include:
- Early signs of shingles: Burning, tingling, or pain in a specific area before the rash appears.
- Shingles rash development: Red patches evolving into fluid-filled blisters.
- Other shingles symptoms: Itching, fever, chills, headache, and fatigue.
- Healing stage: Blisters form scabs and typically heal within 2 to 4 weeks.


Is Shingles Contagious?
Shingles itself does not spread from person to person, but the varicella-zoster virus can be transmitted through direct contact with open blisters, potentially causing chickenpox in those who have never had it.
Shingles infectious risk is highest when blisters are active. Pregnant women, particularly those who haven’t had chickenpox, should be extra cautious about exposure due to risks associated with shingles in pregnancy.
Home Remedies for Shingles
Recognising early shingles symptoms is essential for prompt treatment. Stages of shingles generally include:
- Keep the rash clean and dry to prevent infections.
- Apply cool compresses for relief from pain and irritation.
- Use calamine lotion to ease itching.
- Take OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen to reduce discomfort.
- Get plenty of rest to help your immune system fight the virus.


Professional Shingles Treatment at Alisha Pharmacy
If symptoms persist or worsen, Alisha Pharmacy offers expert shingles treatment in Chiswick, which is easily accessible from Hammersmith, Roehampton, Richmond, Ealing, Shepherd’s Bush, Fulham, Brentford, Barnes, and Camden Town. We provide:
- Prescription Medications: Antiviral drugs such as acyclovir or valacyclovir, which work best if taken within 72 hours of rash onset.
- Pain Management: Stronger pain relief options, including nerve pain medications for severe cases.
- Topical Treatments: Medicated creams and patches to relieve discomfort.
- Expert Advice: Treatment plans based on your symptoms and medical history.
Benefits of the Flu Vaccine
The flu is more than just a cold. Even people who are young and fit can become seriously ill from the flu. For older people and those with long-term health conditions, the flu can be very dangerous. That’s why it is recommended that everyone aged 2 and older get the flu jab if they are safe to do so.
The flu is a respiratory virus that can last for weeks and can’t be treated with antibiotics. Most people who get it will feel better within a week or so without any problems, but others may develop more serious complications like pneumonia and cardiac conditions.
Phasellus vulputate
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce eu convallis lacus.
Phasellus vulputate
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce eu convallis lacus.
Phasellus vulputate
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce eu convallis lacus.
Phasellus vulputate
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce eu convallis lacus.
When to Visit Alisha Pharmacy?
Visit us if:
- You notice early shingles symptoms, particularly near the eyes.
- You are over 50 or have a weakened immune system.
- Your shingles rash is widespread or extremely painful.
- Over-the-counter treatments are ineffective.

How to Protect Yourself and Others?
Alisha Pharmacy is committed to helping you manage shingles effectively. Residents of Chiswick, Hammersmith, Roehampton, Richmond, Ealing, Shepherd’s Bush, Fulham, Brentford, Barnes, and Camden Town can rely on our team for expert advice and effective shingles treatment.
Reviews from thousands
Experiences That Speak for Themselves
Excellent pharmacy with great supportive pharmacists. Really caring team and very quick to react and provide best care and service possible.
Matt Brown
Raj and the team provide such an excellent service to the community. I find the staff super helpful, really efficient and Raj was amazing recently when my daughter had to obtain emergency medicine. Keep it up!
Karen Bingham
I’ve been using Alisha pharmacy for 20 years now. I have other pharmacies nearer to my home, but I always use Alisha because Raj and all the rest of the team there are so friendly, professional, knowledgeable, informative and helpful. They obviously really care about what they do. A local gem.
p Hall
Raj the pharmacist runs a service of excellence and care to his local community. He and his team go above and beyond and know their community. The standard has always been exemplary. Would be such a tragedy to lose all of this to something impersonal and generic. A lot would fall through the cracks for the public. Let’s value the good we have.
Harika Basharan
Always friendly and helpful- take the lead in looking after their clients. Process prescriptions quickly and know their customers. Top notch service!