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Do I really have the shingles?

A couple of months ago I got extreme burning and itching that wouldn't go away so I went to the doctor.  He said I had the beginning of shingles and gave me antibiotics.  Now again I have the burning and itching again, in a different spot, still I have no sores and I've had the burning for a month or so.  If this is the shingles, shouldn't I have the sores by now or is it possible to never get the sores or is it something totally different?
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Avatar universal
Dr Santos,
Thank you for your response.  The burning and itching are the only symptoms and it is deep, not on my skin.  I don't understand why my doctor would just automatically say I have the beginning signs of shingles, when I have had this for months (it's on my hip area).  Do the sores of shingles take months to show up?  I haven't gone to my doctor yet this time for this episode.  I'm tiring to determine what doctor is best to go to.
I am diabetic and he never mentioned it might be neuropathy, which I never knew about until my friend was telling me about it.  I know it usually affects the peripherals, but could this be neuropathy?  Is it normal for neuropathy to have this constant itching deep under the skin that never goes away?  The only med I take are metformin and my sugar is under control.
Thank you for your help.
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Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi,
How are you? What other symptoms are present and what medications were prescribed? Shingles usually affect one dermatome at a time and may present with skin and neurological symptoms. If you are experiencing burning and itching sensation, neurological issues should be ruled out. Additional evaluation and tests may need to be done to confirm the diagnosis. Check with your doctor for proper evaluation. Take care and do keep us posted.
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