Should I See a Specialist After My Symptoms Vanished?
Recently, I was informed that I might be dealing with an autoimmune-related issue, but here's the twist: my symptoms have completely subsided. Initially, I experienced severe itching around the anal area accompanied by some bleeding during hygiene routines. After three visits to my general practitioner, he decided to refer me to a specialist, suspecting either Lichen Sclerosus (his primary concern) or Crohn’s disease (a secondary possibility, although I lack any other signs typical of Crohn’s). However, I spent the past three months traveling for work, and remarkably, I experienced no symptoms at all—except for a little bleeding once during an episode of diarrhea. Now that I’m back home, I find myself pondering whether it would still be beneficial to see the specialist. Interestingly, during my travels through three different countries, I only used standard water methods for personal hygiene. Could it be that my initial discomfort wasn't due to an underlying condition, but rather an issue of scrubbing too vigorously? Prior to my referral, my doctor prescribed topical treatments, such as Miconazole Nitrate and creams for diaper rash. Throughout my travels, however, I opted not to pursue any further treatment. To provide some context, I'm 31 years old, a very light smoker (smoking just 1 or 2 cigarettes weekly), enjoy drinks mainly on weekends, and overall maintain good health and fitness without any medications.
Answers (1)
7/7/2025, 3:02:09 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's great to hear that your symptoms have subsided, and it's understandable to be uncertain about the next steps regarding a specialist after feeling better. Here’s a breakdown of the situation you presented:
Main Points
- Your symptoms, including severe itching and bleeding, have resolved.
- A potential autoimmune condition was suspected, but you experienced no issues during your travels.
- You wonder if the initial discomfort might have been related to irritants rather than an autoimmunity issue.
Explanation
While it's promising that your symptoms have disappeared, it's important to consider why they occurred in the first place. Conditions like Lichen Sclerosus or Crohn’s disease can have fluctuating symptoms. Temporary relief does not necessarily mean that an underlying condition has resolved; it's possible that irritants or hygiene habits played a role.
Your experiences abroad without treatment suggest that something might have changed in your routine—like reduced irritation from vigorous washing or even dietary changes—that could have influenced your symptoms.
Next Steps
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Monitor Your Condition: Keep an eye on any possible recurrence of symptoms, such as itching or bleeding. Track any patterns, especially in relation to your diet or hygiene practices.
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Prioritize Seeing the Specialist: Even without current symptoms, consulting with the specialist can help rule out possible issues and provide peace of mind. They may conduct tests or evaluations to ensure no underlying conditions exist, which is especially critical if Lichen Sclerosus or Crohn’s is suspected.
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Practice Gentle Hygiene: If you suspect that your initial discomfort was due to vigorous scrubbing, adopt a gentler hygiene routine. Consider using unscented wipes and avoiding harsh soaps.
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Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Keeping up with your general health practices—like a balanced diet, moderate alcohol consumption, and managing stress—can further support your well-being.
If you notice any return of symptoms, especially bleeding or persistent discomfort, it would be advisable to seek medical attention promptly. Your health is important, and addressing potential issues early can lead to better outcomes. Please let me know if you have any further questions or need more tailored advice!
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