Hi,
I have learned what caused my initial AF in the early 90's and a second one in 2009. I have been diagnosed with Lichen Sclerosis. This is a rare auto immune disease of the skin, it mainly is around the anus, perineum and the vulva, causes the skin to thin and tear easily then when the disease becomes severe the skin begins itch severely.
In retrospect, I had this disease around my anus causing my skin to tear easily, even when I wiped too hard. I never had hemorrhoids. The itching sensation felt like things crawling inside my skin. These items easily look like common anal problems.
Since I am now post menopausal this disease has spread to my vulva. Seems rapid change in hormones or over active immune system will cause this disease to present itself. I had no idea this was happening, my skin became dry and wrinkly, the skin turned a whitish color, I would tear easily. But thought that was happening because the skin was dry. Then the intense itching of the vulva started, it would come on suddenly last for a very short time, minutes then stop and not be itchy again for days or weeks. After several months of this happening I finally did a search on the internet and found Lichen Sclerosis. Bingo, I was correct.
I went to the gyn yesterday and she took one look and said "Yeap" you are correct. They took a skin biopsy, this is the most common way to diagnose the disease. Several characteristics are constipation, tearing of the anus and perineum, intense itching when the case has become severe. Low thyroid is also pretty common too according to results.
I know that this might not the case in all, but after learning about this disease, it is misdiagnosed A LOT. If you have repeated tearing of the anal tissue, please talk to your doctor about Lichen Sclerosis, it is worth doing the test to determine if that is the case. This disease is treated with high doses of steroids to clear it up, there is no cure. It is chronic. Once the skin is thinned it is hard to get the elasticity back.
Best of luck, don't hesitate to contact me if you have questions. I am more than happy to help.
Deenise