All,

A close relative has been seen by the doctor several times for
excruciating pain that has been localized to the torso.  The doctor
thinks it is shingles, but there is no rash.  I know what shingles is,
the symptoms, course of the virus etc.

What I am looking for is the following:

a) Credible medical literature that discusses diseases that present
similarly to shingles, but in reality are something else.  In other
words, could there be an alternate diagnosis, and if so, what is it?

b) Any credible literature that discusses the benefits of providing
anti-viral medication for shingles without a rash present.

I understand that Google Researchers are not doctors and cannot
provide medical advice.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Herkdrvr