Topical steroid phobia, or 'Corticophobia' a phrase coined by dermatologists to help them categorise the hysteria of their patients, is possibly one of the most insulting phrases I've heard in relation to eczema and topical steroid withdrawal. This study has appeared in The Educational Journal of The British Association of Dermatologists and was written by: I have tried to … [Read more...]
How to respond to TSW and eczema gaslighting
Ever been gaslit by your doctor, GP or specialist dermatologist? This probably happens for people with any conceivable medical complaint or long-term condition. I don't think it's just reserved for eczema and topical steroids. For the purpose of this gaslighting course we are just concerned with topical steroid withdrawal and how it is currently viewed by the specialists we … [Read more...]
TSW is NOT a social media trend – TSW RANT!
Today I read an article in the Washington Post entitled, What is Topical Steroid Withdrawal? You might be thinking, fantastic! That's amazing coverage, but I'm left fuming at the journalists lack of research and general dismissive attitude towards people going through this. Here's why I hate this article, written by Tonya Russell - I've just tweeted here my blog response … [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...]
MHRA recognise Topical steroid withdrawal
This has been a long, long time coming but finally, all of us who reported our Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) through the Yellow Card scheme can feel some relief that TSW is finally being taken seriously. A press release was released today, 15th September, during National Eczema Awareness Week to finally recognise that TSW is a thing! MHRA advises clinicians to be … [Read more...]