As temperatures drop, more people are seeking help for sudden, painful rashes and nerve pain. Superdrug Online Doctor has reported a 50% increase in patients seeking consultations for shingles in recent weeks. Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus and can affect people who have had chickenpox before.
It is most common in older adults and those with weakened immune systems. Dr Babak Ashrafi, Superdrug’s Online Doctor, said: “Shingles can come as a shock; many people wake up with a burning or tingling pain, followed by a rash that quickly worsens. We tend to see more people seeking help in the colder months, when immune systems are under extra strain.”
Winter triggers for shingles can include stress, disrupted sleep, and other infections that can impact the immune system.
The NHS advises that the first signs of shingles can be a tingling or painful feeling in an area of skin, and a headache or feeling generally unwell.
A rash will usually appear a few days later, most commonly on the chest and abdomen, but it can appear anywhere.
A shingles rash typically appears on only one side of the body because the virus reactivates along a single nerve path.
Superdrug Online Doctor highlighted five cases in which more urgent medical attention may be needed, rather than routine self-care. These are if:
- the rash is on or near the eye
- pain is severe or spreading
- you have a weakened immune system
- you are pregnant
- or symptoms are worsening rapidly
Superdrug Online Doctor offers a quick online assessment and photo-diagnosis service, allowing clinicians to review remotely. This service provides access to antiviral treatment where clinically appropriate, enabling patients to receive care without waiting for a GP appointment.
Dr Ashrafi added: “The key message is, don’t wait it out. The sooner you start treatment, the better the outcome.”