burning sensation on back--but no rash

For several months I have had a burning sensation on my back, specifically in the center of my back.  There is no rash or raised skin.  Just this annoying sensation of burning.  I have not seen a doctor about it yet.  Should I see an allergist, a dermatologist, or some other specialist?  Can you tell me what might be going on?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Janet:

There's a fairly common condition with the fancy name "notalgia paresthetica," which consists of a burning sensation on one spot on the back.  There's no rash, unless there's a lot of secondary scratching.  Cause: unknown.  Significance: little, just an annoyance.  Treatment: a topical anethetic, like (OTC) Benadryl or Sarna lotion.  Suggested specialist: dermatologist.

Best.

Dr. R