Persistent itching after contact with water
Repeated visits to dermatologists and general practitioners had not meaningfully relieved water-triggered itching.
Reveal what changed
An earlier blood count showed elevated red cells. The next question for a general-medicine clinician was whether a blood disorder, including polycythemia vera, needed exclusion.
Polycythemia vera was ruled out. The patient later reported improvement with lifestyle changes.
An overlooked test result became a focused question, even though the suspected condition was absent.