What Are The Symptoms Of Shingles?

my right arm started with patches of skin being painful to touch ... only the skin. later a rash formed. I went to the the doctor.. stated it was not shingles as pattern did not follow a nerve pattern. Thought maybe something viral.. but no answer. Any ideas? I am 48 years old. 5'2" 130lbs no allergies, no medical history beyond having 2 children.