skin cancer

[hank251]

hello, I have a question. I have been experiencing a burning sensation in my back. it's not in the muscle, its in the underneath the skin. sometimes it itches but it mostly burns. I don't know what to do. it burns like I went to the beach, and its only on my left side of my back,  Any Idea?

[oncologyst]

It is not a skin cancer, I wouldn't worry much about the symptoms either. It probably will go away in couple of weeks

[Pum]

I'm not sure how long you've had this sensation for. If just a few days it could be shingles coming on. If you get any spots on the area then see a doctor for some anti-viral tablets.

If you have had it for a while (weeks to months) it could be a back injury. You would be amazed what odd sensations nerve damage can lead to (although I think the itching sounds more like shingles). Think about what might be causing a back problem (lifting, bending etc.) and try to change the way you do things.

Take care. If it is shingles, I sympathise. They're horrid.