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...]
Help fund research for Topical Steroid Withdrawal
This is a REALLY quick blog to share a petition created by my lovely friend Sofia who is also going through topical steroid withdrawal (TSW). There is currently very little real scientific research going on and we need this urgently! If you don't know what TSW is, you can dive down a rabbit hole with my other blogs on the subject or read my new and growing TSW FAQ … [Read more...]