Demi Moore faced health struggles while filming her latest horror movie, shining a light on the painful first symptoms of shingles, a health expert has warned. The actress revealed her battle with shingles during the intense filming of her new project, The Substance, which garnered critical acclaim at festivals. Despite losing 20 pounds during filming, Moore’s dedication paid off with the film receiving high praise.
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection that causes a painful rash typically on one side of the body. Duncan Reid, a Senior Pharmacist, highlighted that shingles symptoms include excruciating skin irritation, which can persist even after the rash disappears. The virus responsible for shingles lies dormant in the body after chickenpox and can reactivate later in life.
Although not usually life-threatening, shingles can pose risks to specific groups such as pregnant individuals, chemotherapy patients, and newborns. Preventative measures include avoiding close contact activities and keeping the rash clean and covered. Treatment options focus on managing symptoms like pain and discomfort with medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen.
It is crucial to seek medical advice promptly if shingles symptoms manifest, as early intervention can mitigate the effects and reduce the risk of complications. The new NHS Pharmacy First Service allows pharmacists to prescribe treatments for conditions like shingles without needing a doctor’s appointment, enhancing access to timely care for patients. Stay informed and proactive about recognising the signs of shingles to protect yourself and others from this uncomfortable illness.