I had a skin tag or something on my groin. I self diagnosed, went on the internet, dissolved it carelessly by applying straight Apple Cider Vinegar on it with a cotton ball for twenty minutes, three times a day, for three days.

By over examining my lady parts I found a "freckle"(as I later discovered at the doctors) and ran crying to the doctors. That was dismissed, no signs of any other bad things.

But the doctor saw my chemical burn and swabbed it for herpes. Even though I insisted my over use of vinegar.

Prior to this I've never EVER had a sore anywhere near my groin/private area.


I know I'm being dumb... sigh. I don't know what to think. Why would a doctor swab a burn if he knew it was a burn?

Why? People lie... People convince themselves its something else just like they convince themselves they are qualified to self diagnose. (Doctors even go to other doctors).

Maybe you learned something from this about self diagnosing. So something good will come from it. Some lessons we all have to learn the hard way. (Trust me, I've had my share)

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Originally Posted by smoothy

Why? People lie... People convince themselves its something else just like they convince themselves they are qualified to self diagnose. (Doctors even go to other doctors).

Maybe you learned something from this about self diagnosing. So something good will come from it. Some lessons we all have to learn the hard way. (Trust me, I've had my share)

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Smoothy, that was a great answer and I very truly appreciate it. When I'm in a panic I can't see rationally. Definitely never self diagnosing again. I've been miserable... and now this strange situation of questioning something I've never questioned before about my own body. I feel I'm going through it, just to learn that self diagnosing never pays off. I have learned my lesson. Thank you so much.

Vinegar shouldn't burn your skin. Since you don't know what the growth was, of course your doctor might swab it.

I am covered with every imaginable mole and skin tag.

Instead of self diagnosing, study and be educated about your body and about health. Then someday you can do a little self diagnosing.

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Originally Posted by missanxietysffr

Smoothy, that was a great answer and I very truly appreciate it. When I'm in a panic I can't see rationally. Definitely never self diagnosing again. I've been miserable... and now this strange situation of questioning something I've never questioned before about my own body. I feel I'm going through it, just to learn that self diagnosing never pays off. I have learned my lesson. Thank you so much.

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You are welcome, just don't go the opposite extreme... and ignore everything. That's bad too. But if you find something really unusual, like a mole that changes shape and grows, etc... see a professional. Let them determine if its something to worry about or not.

Somewhere in the middle of both extremes is a healthy amount of being alert and self aware.

I used internet to self exam, and I was pregnant. Of course I am a 60 year old man, and find that less than possible.