Do's and don'ts of Shingles treatment

Treatment for shingles depends on how severe the symptoms are and whether the individual is at risk of complications. Those with a mild rash may not need any treatment at all.

NHS England Pharmacy First Shingles has a useful PGD for the supply of Aciclovir. It covers everything especially criteria's for inclusion (Those that can be treated in the Pharmacy) and exclusion (Those to be refered to their GP). The usual dose is:

• 800mg five times a day (at 4 hourly intervals, during waking hours - i.e.
  advise to take on waking then every 4 hours giving 5 doses over 16 hours).
• Doses to be spaced evenly throughout the day.
• In the event of a missed dose, individuals are advised to take it as soon as they
  remember. Unless it is nearly time for their next dose, where they can skip.
  the missed dose and take their next dose at the usual time.
• Individuals should not take 2 doses at the same time and should complete the entire
  course. 
• A supply of 35 tablets (7 days' worth) to be given.

If a customer has shingles, there is also some advice that is good to give them including:

• Taking Paracetamol to ease pains
• Keeping the rash clean and dry to reduce infection risk
• Wearing loose-fitting clothing
• Using a cool compress (a bag of ice cubes or frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel, or a wet cloth) several times a day

There are some things they should not do including:

• Letting dressings or plasters stick to the rash
• Wearing clothes with rough fibres that can irritate the skin