I itch a lot on my arms and legs, but don't have any signs of insect bites.?

I lived two years on a mountain in S.E. Asia. Living off the land whatever God provided. No running water, no electricity, and not toilets, other than the dirt. I came off the mountain to take a teaching job. Before coming off the mountain, I noticed my ankle started itching. Weeks later, the itching spread up my leg, to my backside, then to my shoulder, the side of my face, then my ear. After about six months, most of the places stopped, except my back side and my ear. Almost two years later, only my ear would itch. Now, nearly three years later, only occasionally my ear itches. I tried many topical creams, but the one that worked the best was actually the cheapest. Anyway, now, my legs, and arms will itch for no apparent reason. A friend of mine had something called "shingles" and it sounds similar, but can anyone out there help me diagnose or treat what is happening? I keep my nails cut short so I don't scratch so much that I bleed.