If you've got eczema, you'll have been asked this time and time again. "What caused that skin flare?" It's something I was asked constantly throughout my topical steroid withdrawal journey. It's a bit of a trigger because we can never be 100% certain about anything. There can be so many potential triggers and skin can flare up for no reason at all! And what causes … [Read more...]
Do you need help? Are you distressed?
I get so many messages from people who are desperate for help, people who are anxious, having panic attacks and feeling like they can't find the answers they need. There is a huge gap in the care of this nation. People are falling between the cracks and our NHS cannot cope. Whether you are scared of anaphylaxis, struggling to cope in topical steroid withdrawal or trying … [Read more...]
Doubt is the worst symptom of Topical Steroid Withdrawal
I am terrified that Topical Steroid Withdrawal is here to stay. That I'm going to be stuck like this, struggling to heal, in pain, with dysfunctional skin. Itching, shedding, flaking, cycling through flares, losing sleep and feeling like I'll never get better and heal. It's like a nightmare that keeps replaying. Not helped by my recent visit to the dermatologist who … [Read more...]
Learning to fight for what I need
Really proud of this article that I wrote for the fantastic Happiful magazine. "Learning to fight for what I need." is my story, from intensive care, panic attacks and serious anxiety about living with the threat of anaphylaxis and potentially losing my life, to finding the mental health help and therapy that I needed. I hope you can read the article here from the … [Read more...]
How running is healing my skin from TSW
Why do human beings need adventure? Why do we crave new experiences? Why do I push my boundaries and say yes to scary things? Why do I run? Running is hard! It's a challenge. It can feel like you're just really bad at it but it can also make you feel amazing and it's given me so much. This blog is inspired by fellow Chiltern Harrier Rik's blog about why he runs. Read Why … [Read more...]