Health and Me

Itisha Arya

Shingles Rashes Surge By 50% In The UK: 5 Warning Signs Doctors Say Not To Ignore

shingles rashes symptoms

As temperatures fall, a growing number of people are seeking medical advice for sudden, painful rashes and nerve-related discomfort. Superdrug Online Doctor has reported a 50% rise in patients requesting consultations for <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/shingles">shingles</a></span> over recent weeks. Shingles develops when the chickenpox virus, which stays dormant in the body after childhood infection, becomes active again later in life.

<h2><span rel="noindex">What Is <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/shingles">Shingles</a></span>?</h2>

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral illness that causes a painful, blistering rash, usually appearing on one side of the body. It occurs when the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox, becomes active again after lying dormant in the nerves for many years. This reactivation is more likely when the immune system is weakened.

Symptoms often begin with burning, tingling, or itching in a specific area, followed by clusters of fluid-filled blisters that eventually dry out and form scabs. Starting antiviral treatment early can help reduce the severity and length of the infection. A shingles vaccine is also available and is recommended, particularly for people over the age of 50, to lower the risk of developing shingles and to prevent complications such as long-lasting nerve pain, known as postherpetic neuralgia.

<h2>Who Is Most At Risk Of Shingles?</h2>

The condition is more likely to affect older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Dr Babak Ashrafi, Superdrug’s Online Doctor, explained that many patients are caught off guard by how quickly symptoms appear. “Shingles often begins unexpectedly,” he said. “People may wake up with a burning or tingling sensation, followed by a rash that rapidly becomes more painful. We typically see higher numbers during colder months, when immune defences are under greater pressure.”

Winter-related factors such as stress, poor sleep, and seasonal infections can all take a toll on the immune system. When immunity dips, the virus responsible for shingles has a greater chance of reactivating, increasing the likelihood of flare-ups during colder periods.

<h2><span rel="noindex">Shingles Early Warning Signs</span> To Watch For</h2>

According to the NHS, early symptoms of shingles often include a tingling, itching, or painful sensation on one side of the body. Some people may also experience headaches or feel generally unwell before a rash appears. The rash usually develops a few days later and is most commonly seen on the chest or abdomen, although it can occur anywhere on the body.

Superdrug Online Doctor has outlined five situations where people should seek prompt medical advice rather than rely on self-care. These include cases where:

<ul><li>the rash appears on or near the eye</li><li>pain is severe or spreading</li><li>the person has a weakened immune system</li><li>the individual is pregnant</li><li>symptoms are worsening quickly</li></ul>

<h2><span rel="noindex">Shingles Treatment</span></h2>

Superdrug Online Doctor provides an online assessment and photo-diagnosis service, allowing clinicians to review symptoms remotely. Where appropriate, patients can be prescribed antiviral medication without needing to wait for a GP appointment.

Dr Ashrafi stressed the importance of acting quickly, adding: “The most important advice is not to wait and see. Starting treatment early can make a significant difference to recovery and long-term outcomes.”

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As temperatures fall, a growing number of people are seeking medical advice for sudden, painful rashes and nerve-related discomfort. Superdrug Online Doctor has reported a 50% rise in patients requesting consultations for shingles over recent weeks. Shingles develops when the chickenpox virus, which stays dormant in the body after childhood infection, becomes active again later in life.What Is Shingles?Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral illness that causes a painful, blistering rash, usually appearing on one side of the body. It occurs when the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox, becomes active again after lying dormant in the nerves for many years. This reactivation is more likely when the immune system is weakened.Symptoms often begin with burning, tingling, or itching in a specific area, followed by clusters of fluid-filled blisters that eventually dry out and form scabs. Starting antiviral treatment early can help reduce the severity and length of the infection. A shingles vaccine is also available and is recommended, particularly for people over the age of 50, to lower the risk of developing shingles and to prevent complications such as long-lasting nerve pain, known as postherpetic neuralgia.Who Is Most At Risk Of Shingles?The condition is more likely to affect older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Dr Babak Ashrafi, Superdrug’s Online Doctor, explained that many patients are caught off guard by how quickly symptoms appear. “Shingles often begins unexpectedly,” he said. “People may wake up with a burning or tingling sensation, followed by a rash that rapidly becomes more painful. We typically see higher numbers during colder months, when immune defences are under greater pressure.”Winter-related factors such as stress, poor sleep, and seasonal infections can all take a toll on the immune system. When immunity dips, the virus responsible for shingles has a greater chance of reactivating, increasing the likelihood of flare-ups during colder periods.Shingles Early Warning Signs To Watch ForAccording to the NHS, early symptoms of shingles often include a tingling, itching, or painful sensation on one side of the body. Some people may also experience headaches or feel generally unwell before a rash appears. The rash usually develops a few days later and is most commonly seen on the chest or abdomen, although it can occur anywhere on the body.Superdrug Online Doctor has outlined five situations where people should seek prompt medical advice rather than rely on self-care. These include cases where:the rash appears on or near the eyepain is severe or spreadingthe person has a weakened immune systemthe individual is pregnantsymptoms are worsening quicklyShingles TreatmentSuperdrug Online Doctor provides an online assessment and photo-diagnosis service, allowing clinicians to review symptoms remotely. Where appropriate, patients can be prescribed antiviral medication without needing to wait for a GP appointment.Dr Ashrafi stressed the importance of acting quickly, adding: “The most important advice is not to wait and see. Starting treatment early can make a significant difference to recovery and long-term outcomes.”