I am not sure what this is but I have had this as well on and off for years and it drives me insane. I get patches on my head, my lower back, arms, legs and stomach. No rash at all there and it lasts about a day. I wish I knew what it was and shingles is what I was thinking for for all this time could I have it come and go?
Have you had chicken pox? Sounds like it could possibly be the beginning of shingles. Occasionally there's no rash only burning in the rib area.