RFSymptoms: Safety netting advice
AdultsShingles
DATE LAST REVIEWED: 05/11/2026
When to seek further review
- If not yet assessed, contact a pharmacist or GP as soon as possible, ideally within 3 days of the rash appearing, because treatment works best early.
- Get urgent advice today for a rash on the eye or nose, eye pain or sight changes, pregnancy, or weakened immune defences.
- Seek urgent advice for a rash with new facial weakness or ear symptoms.
- The rash may take up to 4 weeks to heal. Arrange GP review if it is not healing, pain is not controlled, or pain continues after the rash has gone.
- For mild symptoms without any of the urgent or emergency warning signs listed here, a community pharmacist can advise on self-care and suitable medicines. Tell them the patient’s age, other medicines and any pregnancy or breastfeeding. They can direct you to another service if needed.
- Pharmacy First can assess and, where appropriate, treat shingles from age 18 years. Contact the pharmacy first to check that it offers the service. Assessment does not always mean an antibiotic or other prescription is needed.
- Do not wait for the suggested review time if symptoms become worse, new symptoms appear, or you are worried.
- If you need medical advice and are unsure which service can help, call NHS 111. This includes when your GP is closed or you cannot get the help you need. NHS 111 can direct you to an appropriate local service. You can call even if you are not sure whether symptoms are serious.
When to get emergency help
(Immediately dial 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department)
- Sudden loss of sight.
- A severe headache with a stiff neck, confusion or difficulty waking.
- New weakness or speech problems, or rapid deterioration with severe illness.
- Severe difficulty breathing, such as gasping or being unable to speak normally.
- New confusion or not making sense when speaking.
- Being very difficult to wake.
- Collapse or loss of consciousness.
- Blue, grey, unusually pale or blotchy skin or lips, especially when feeling very unwell.
How to spot sepsis
Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection. It can get worse quickly. If someone is seriously unwell and may have sepsis, call 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department. Do not wait for every sign, a high temperature or a rash.
An unwell child under 5 who has not had a pee or wet nappy for 12 hours needs emergency assessment. If you are unsure and there are no emergency signs, call NHS 111 for advice.
Sources
- NHS - Shingleshttps://www.nhs.uk/conditions/shingles/
- NHS - How pharmacies can helphttps://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/how-pharmacies-can-help/
- NHS - Sepsishttps://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sepsis/
- NHS - When to use NHS 111https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/when-to-use-111/