Latest news with #FrancescaTebbutt
Daily Mirror
08-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Woman's skin 'trapped in vicious cycle' after extreme reaction to common cream
Francesca Tebbutt, 33, from Clunderwen in Wales, spent years unaware of what was causing the condition that left her feeling like her 'skin was constantly on fire' A woman's small rash snowballed into burning, flaking and weeping skin after she was repeatedly prescribed stronger doses of a commonly-used cream. Francesca Tebbutt, 33, says her skin is ''constantly on fire'' because of Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW). She first noticed itchy, red marks on her arm in 2023 - and sought medical advice when they didn't seem to go away. Her GP believed she was suffering from psoriasis or eczema and prescribed her topical steroid creams, to be applied for a couple of weeks at a time. The breakout disappeared quickly - but returned and spread, only for her to be prescribed stronger steroid creams. Francesca decided to stop the medication and see what happened but her skin began to burn, itch, and flake even more. For 18 months, the Pilates instructor from Clunderwen in Wales desperately sought information on her condition. Her skin now suffers burning, flaking, weeping, and swelling without warning. At her worst, even moving her arms, putting on clothes, or stepping into the shower becomes unbearable. Each time the steroids would clear the rash, but come back multiplied and more aggressive. She said: "It all began in March 2023, when I got a few little round, red dots on the inside of my left elbow," said Francesca. "They were a little bit itchy, little bit irritated - so when they didn't go away, I went to the doctors in May 2023, and that's when the doctor said it looked like it's psoriasis or eczema. He prescribed me steroids straight away for it. "I used the topical steroids, and it did go - but then maybe a month later, it came back and it spread. I went back and I was prescribed stronger steroids, and and this went on for the rest of 2023, on and off. "Every time I used them, it would go but then it would come back worse, and it would keep spreading. I was trapped in this vicious cycle: steroid cream, temporary relief, then a flare worse than before.'' In January 2024, after a year of using topical steroid creams and following her prescription instructions, she decided to stop - but her skin began to itch and swell. After a trip to A&E, Francesca was told by doctors that they were unsure what was causing the condition - but prescribed more steroids. This flare-up lasted months before fading, but again, when stopping the use of steroid creams, returned with a vengeance. Francesca says the constant pain was "unbearable," and after the patches spread to her face, she was once again prescribed more steroid creams by doctors. "I couldn't relax - I was so uncomfortable in my own skin, and there was no comfort anywhere, apart from in a bath, because my skin was so bad," she said. "I was constantly burning, but I was also really, really cold at the same time. I'd have ice packs on my arms where it would be burning, and then a hot water bottle on my belly to try and keep me warm. My partner couldn't sleep in the same bed as me for months because I had to keep moving and keep putting ice packs in places to stop the burning. "After a few months of the steroids, things started to calm down - I wasn't as inflamed, but you could still see these almost red sleeves that cut off at the wrist. "I started to get some patches around my lips, and I went to the doctor, and they advised me to put some steroid cream around my lips, so I did as I was told, thinking this will be the end of it." After stopping a course of steroid cream in late 2024, her condition worsened again - with the skin on her face tightening and causing pain when she tried to eat, talk, or drink. "Within three to four weeks, my face started to erupt. It started with a burning sensation, then it started to get all these little bubbles over it. They developed into this big red mass. I looked like my face had been in a fire, like I was burnt. I couldn't move my lips. Eating actually became very difficult. I remember, I used to eat an apple a day - but I couldn't open my mouth wide enough to eat an apple." Feeling like her life had been taken over by research into skin conditions, Francesca felt like she was at breaking point. In January this year, her research led her to an organisation spreading awareness of Topical Steroid Withdrawal - a condition that can occur after stopping high doses of steroids, and results in itchy, peeling skin. Despite being estimated to affect 15% of steroid users, she says she was never warned about the risks, and believes the regular use of steroid creams has worsened her condition. Francesca discovered Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) Therapy - a non-invasive therapy that reduces inflammation, kills harmful bacteria, and helps restore the skin barrier. She received a diagnosis of TSW after a consultation with a clinic offering the treatment - which is only available privately. Desperate to return to normalcy, Francesca posted a video online, describing her experience with TSW - and launched a fundraiser to help get her life back. Thankfully, within days, Francesca had received outpourings of support - and has been able to undergo the first three sessions of CAP treatments, after which she says she has already noticed improvements. The fundraiser has not only allowed her to pay for treatments, but to afford things like new bandages to protect her irritated skin in between sessions, which she says has been a "huge relief." The support has been overwhelming - and she has become determined to share her own story, to avoid anyone else feeling alone while suffering from TSW. I just cannot believe how generous people have been and are being for me - I am lost for words," she said. A link to the fundraiser can be found here: Donate to Help me Heal TSW with CAP Therapy.
Daily Mirror
08-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'I had small rash - now I look like I've been burnt after reaction'
Francesca Tebbutt, 33, said her skin was ''constantly on fire'' A 33-year-old woman said she had been left looking 'like a burns victim' after an extreme reaction to a commonly used cream resulted in her skin being ''constantly on fire'' due to Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW). In 2023, Francesca Tebbutt first noticed itchy, red, marks on her arm and when they persisted, she consulted her GP. The doctor suspected psoriasis or eczema and prescribed topical steroid creams for short-term use. Initially, the rash vanished swiftly but soon returned, spreading further, leading to prescriptions of even stronger steroids. Eventually, Francesca ceased using the medication, only to experience intensified burning, itching, and flaking of her skin. For a year-and-a-half the Pilates instructor from Clunderwen, Pembrokeshire, Wales, searched for answers about her condition, which now includes spontaneous episodes of burning, flaking, weeping, and swelling. At her lowest points, simple actions like moving her arms, dressing, or showering became excruciating. Despite temporary relief from the steroids, the rash would always return, more severe and aggressive each time. Francesca recounted the onset of her ordeal: "It all began in March 2023, when I got a few little round, red dots on the inside of my left elbow. They were a little bit itchy, a little bit irritated - so when they didn't go away, I went to the doctors in May 2023 and that's when the doctor said it looked like it's psoriasis or eczema. "He prescribed me steroids straight away for it. I remember actually asking him, 'how did this happen, and how can I stop it happening?' "He said there's nothing I could do and this was the cure. I used the topical steroids, and it did go - but then maybe a month later, it came back and it spread. "I went back and I was prescribed stronger steroids and this went on for the rest of 2023, on and off. Every time I used them, it would go, but then it would come back worse, and it would keep spreading. I was trapped in this vicious cycle: steroid cream, temporary relief, then a flare worse than before.''". "When it got to January in 2024, I knew the steroids were a band aid," she said. "So I thought, 'I'm going to stop using them'. "By the end of the month, my whole arm and hands were covered in an itchy rash. It was quite scary, because I didn't really know what was going on, and then I started swelling as well. "It was difficult, because it was in winter, and because of my arms, I couldn't wear any clothing on them, so I was always in t-shirts. I just remember being so cold all the time because I couldn't physically put any clothing on my arms. "My wrist swelled and my elbow swelled and I couldn't actually fully straighten my arms or bend my wrists. I didn't know what was going on and me and my partner decided it was best to go to AandE, and off we went. "We saw the doctor and he said, 'I don't know what this is. I don't know if it's eczema. I don't know if it's psoriasis'. It was actually quite refreshing hearing someone say, 'I don't know' and that they'll seek advice somewhere else. "I got a call from him the day after and he said that the dermatologist suspects that it is a form of eczema. They prescribed me more steroids that were stronger than what I'd had before. When I put these steroids on my skin, the burning and stinging of just applying them was unbearable." This flare-up lasted months before fading, but again, when stopping the use of steroid creams, it returned with a vengeance. Francesca said the constant pain was "unbearable" and after the patches spread to her face, she was once again prescribed more steroid creams by doctors. "I couldn't relax - I was so uncomfortable in my own skin and there was no comfort anywhere, apart from in a bath, because my skin was so bad," she said. "I was constantly burning, but I was also really, really, cold at the same time. "I'd have ice packs on my arms where it would be burning and then a hot water bottle on my belly to try to keep me warm. My partner couldn't sleep in the same bed as me for months because I had to keep moving and keep putting ice packs in places to stop the burning. "After a few months of the steroids, things started to calm down - I wasn't as inflamed, but you could still see these almost red sleeves that cut off at the wrist. I started to get some patches around my lips; I went to the doctor and they advised me to put some steroid cream around my lips, so I did as I was told, thinking this will be the end of it. "After doing the course of steroids that I was prescribed, I stopped," she said. "Within three to four weeks, my face started to erupt. "It started with a burning sensation, then it started to get all these little bubbles over it. They developed into this big red mass. "I looked like my face had been in a fire, like I was burned. I couldn't move my lips. Eating actually became very difficult. "I remember, I used to eat an apple a day - but I couldn't open my mouth wide enough to eat an apple. I went back to the doctors with my face like this, to find out what was going on. The doctor told me he was quite puzzled. "Again, they gave me stronger steroids and told me to put them over my face. It reduced it and it slowly went away. Then, in December 2024, my wrists started to erupt again and that red sleeve started to come back. "Driving home from work, sometimes I'd be crying. With TSW, your skin flakes and I would drive home just unbearably scratching. "My car was covered in skin flakes - everywhere was covered in skin flakes. I would vacuum my bed every single day - I would vacuum every time I took my clothes off, because my skin would just fly everywhere. "It was about two months where I couldn't write - I couldn't use a pen. I've never been so sick in my life - I've never had skin issues in my entire life." Feeling like her life had been hijacked by relentless research into skin conditions, Francesca neared her breaking point. In January this year, she stumbled upon an organisation raising awareness of Topical Steroid Withdrawal, a condition emerging after stopping high doses of steroids that can result in itchy, peeling skin. Despite reportedly touching 15% of those on steroids, she lamented that risks were never communicated to her and reckons the regular use of steroid creams has exacerbated her symptoms. "All I've been doing for the past year is researching - researching eczema, researching psoriasis, researching all the different types, trying to find information," she explained. "At the end of January, I came across an organisation that campaigns for Topical Steroid Withdrawal. "I remember that day that I found out - everything clicked. The red sleeves, the red face, the peeling, the oozing, the inflammation, the burning - everything finally made sense and I saw photos of people who looked like me. "I cannot believe that for the 18 months that I'd been going to and from the doctors, with all the symptoms of Topical Steroid Withdrawal and not once it was mentioned or queried. No one had mentioned it at all - and my life had become skin. "I couldn't do the things I normally do and I hid away. I had no idea it even existed." After a long struggle, Francesca found Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) Therapy, a non-invasive treatment that eases inflammation, destroys harmful bacteria, and aids in repairing the skin barrier. She was diagnosed with TSW following a consultation at a clinic that provides this privately available therapy. In a bid to reclaim her life, Francesca took to the internet to share her ordeal with TSW and initiated a fundraising campaign. "When I heard back from the UK clinic, at first I was overjoyed, but then pretty quickly I had no idea how I was going to afford it," she admitted. She recalled: "I remember I actually emailed them and I said 'I'm really nervous, I don't know if I can fund it; I don't know if I can commit to it. I very much am that glass half full person, but this condition that has taken me into places so dark, I can't believe I've been there. "I've had very dark thoughts, very dark moments, and felt really at the bottom of a pit. You lose your confidence; people look at you differently. "People judge you and all you can do is seek help - but there is no help out there. The mental side was tough, but I just knew I needed to try - and that's why the GoFundMe page was started. I just felt like I was bearing my soul and bearing what happens behind closed doors - I was very nervous." Fortunately, within days, Francesca had received numerous messages of support and has undergone three sessions of CAP treatments. She says she has already noticed improvements and has even been able to afford essentials like new bandages to protect her irritated skin between sessions, which has been a "huge relief." The outpouring of support has given her the courage to share her story so others with TSW don't have to feel isolated. "I just cannot believe how generous people have been and are being for me - I am lost for words," she expressed. "I have to bandage myself every night and then during the day if I'm going somewhere that there could be a possible irritant. "These little things have made a huge, huge difference to my day-to-day life. I'm eternally grateful for that, and still very blown away. "In the hell that I've been living, this has just been such a light for me. Prior to putting it out there, I was at my lowest I've ever been. People know now what's going on and there's no more hiding."
Wales Online
08-07-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Woman who had 'small rash' now 'looks like she's burnt' after reaction
Woman who had 'small rash' now 'looks like she's burnt' after reaction Francesca Tebbutt said she had been through 'hell' Francesca Tebbutt said her GP believed she was suffering from a psoriasis or eczema breakout and prescribed her topical steroid creams (Image: Francesca Tebbutt/SWNS ) A woman who had a small rash now looks 'like a burns victim' - after she suffered an extreme reaction to a common cream. Francesca Tebbutt, 33, said her skin was ''constantly on fire'' because of Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW). She first noticed itchy, red, marks on her arm in 2023 - and sought medical advice when they didn't seem to go away. Her GP believed she was suffering from psoriasis or eczema and prescribed her topical steroid creams, to be applied for a couple of weeks at a time. The breakout disappeared quickly - but returned and spread, only for her to be prescribed stronger steroid creams. Francesca decided to stop the medication and see what happened, but her skin began to burn, itch, and flake even more. For 18 months, the Pilates instructor from Clunderwen, Pembrokeshire, desperately sought information on her condition. Her skin now suffers burning, flaking, weeping and swelling without warning. At her worst, even moving her arms, putting on clothes, or stepping into the shower becomes unbearable. Each time the steroids would clear the rash, but come back multiplied and more aggressive. She said: "It all began in March 2023, when I got a few little round, red dots on the inside of my left elbow. They were a little bit itchy, a little bit irritated - so when they didn't go away, I went to the doctors in May 2023 and that's when the doctor said it looked like it's psoriasis or eczema. Article continues below "He prescribed me steroids straight away for it. I remember actually asking him, 'how did this happen, and how can I stop it happening?' "He said there's nothing I could do and this was the cure. I used the topical steroids, and it did go - but then maybe a month later, it came back and it spread. "I went back and I was prescribed stronger steroids and this went on for the rest of 2023, on and off. Every time I used them, it would go, but then it would come back worse, and it would keep spreading. I was trapped in this vicious cycle: steroid cream, temporary relief, then a flare worse than before.'' Francesca Tebbutt first noticed itchy red marks on her arm in 2023 (Image: Francesca Tebbutt/SWNS ) In January 2024, after a year of using topical steroid creams and following her prescription instructions, she decided to stop - but her skin began to itch and swell. After a trip to A&E, Francesca was told by doctors that they were unsure what was causing the condition - but prescribed more steroids. "When it got to January in 2024, I knew the steroids were a band aid," she said. "So I thought, 'I'm going to stop using them'. "By the end of the month, my whole arm and hands were covered in an itchy rash. It was quite scary, because I didn't really know what was going on, and then I started swelling as well. "It was difficult, because it was in winter, and because of my arms, I couldn't wear any clothing on them, so I was always in t-shirts. I just remember being so cold all the time because I couldn't physically put any clothing on my arms. "My wrist swelled and my elbow swelled and I couldn't actually fully straighten my arms or bend my wrists. I didn't know what was going on and me and my partner decided it was best to go to A&E, and off we went. "We saw the doctor and he said, 'I don't know what this is. I don't know if it's eczema. I don't know if it's psoriasis'. It was actually quite refreshing hearing someone say, 'I don't know' and that they'll seek advice somewhere else. "I got a call from him the day after and he said that the dermatologist suspects that it is a form of eczema. They prescribed me more steroids that were stronger than what I'd had before. When I put these steroids on my skin, the burning and stinging of just applying them was unbearable." Francesca Tebbutt said withdrawal symptoms controlled her life and put her 'through hell' (Image: Francesca Tebbutt/SWNS ) This flare-up lasted months before fading, but again, when stopping the use of steroid creams, it returned with a vengeance. Francesca said the constant pain was "unbearable" and after the patches spread to her face, she was once again prescribed more steroid creams by doctors. "I couldn't relax - I was so uncomfortable in my own skin and there was no comfort anywhere, apart from in a bath, because my skin was so bad," she said. "I was constantly burning, but I was also really, really, cold at the same time. "I'd have ice packs on my arms where it would be burning and then a hot water bottle on my belly to try to keep me warm. My partner couldn't sleep in the same bed as me for months because I had to keep moving and keep putting ice packs in places to stop the burning. "After a few months of the steroids, things started to calm down - I wasn't as inflamed, but you could still see these almost red sleeves that cut off at the wrist. I started to get some patches around my lips; I went to the doctor and they advised me to put some steroid cream around my lips, so I did as I was told, thinking this will be the end of it." After stopping a course of steroid cream in late 2024, her condition worsened again - with the skin on her face tightening and causing pain when she tried to eat, talk, or drink. "After doing the course of steroids that I was prescribed, I stopped," she said. "Within three to four weeks, my face started to erupt. "It started with a burning sensation, then it started to get all these little bubbles over it. They developed into this big red mass. "I looked like my face had been in a fire, like I was burned. I couldn't move my lips. Eating actually became very difficult. "I remember, I used to eat an apple a day - but I couldn't open my mouth wide enough to eat an apple. I went back to the doctors with my face like this, to find out what was going on. The doctor told me he was quite puzzled. "Again, they gave me stronger steroids and told me to put them over my face. It reduced it and it slowly went away. Then, in December 2024, my wrists started to erupt again and that red sleeve started to come back. "Driving home from work, sometimes I'd be crying. With TSW, your skin flakes and I would drive home just unbearably scratching. "My car was covered in skin flakes - everywhere was covered in skin flakes. I would vacuum my bed every single day - I would vacuum every time I took my clothes off, because my skin would just fly everywhere. "It was about two months where I couldn't write - I couldn't use a pen. I've never been so sick in my life - I've never had skin issues in my entire life." Francesca's hand (Image: Francesca Tebbutt/SWNS ) Feeling like her life had been taken over by research into skin conditions, Francesca felt like she was at breaking point. In January this year, her research led her to an organisation spreading awareness of Topical Steroid Withdrawal - a condition that can occur after stopping high doses of steroids and results in itchy, peeling, skin. Despite being estimated to affect 15% of steroid users, she said she was never warned about the risks and believes the regular use of steroid creams has worsened her condition. "All I've been doing for the past year is researching -researching eczema, researching psoriasis, researching all the different types, trying to find information," she said. "At the end of January, I came across an organisation that campaigns for Topical Steroid Withdrawal. "I remember that day that I found out - everything clicked. The red sleeves, the red face, the peeling, the oozing, the inflammation, the burning - everything finally made sense and I saw photos of people who looked like me. "I cannot believe that for the 18 months that I'd been going to and from the doctors, with all the symptoms of Topical Steroid Withdrawal and not once it was mentioned or queried. No one had mentioned it at all - and my life had become skin. "I couldn't do the things I normally do and I hid away. I had no idea it even existed." Francesca discovered Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) Therapy - a non-invasive therapy that reduces inflammation, kills harmful bacteria and helps restore the skin barrier. She received a diagnosis of TSW after a consultation with a clinic offering the treatment - which is only available privately. Desperate to return to normalcy, Francesca posted a video online, describing her experience with TSW - and launched a fundraiser to help get her life back. "When I heard back from the UK clinic, at first I was overjoyed, but then pretty quickly I had no idea how I was going to afford it," she said. "I remember I actually emailed them and I said 'I'm really nervous, I don't know if I can fund it; I don't know if I can commit to it. I very much am that glass half full person, but this condition that has taken me into places so dark, I can't believe I've been there. "I've had very dark thoughts, very dark moments, and felt really at the bottom of a pit. You lose your confidence; people look at you differently. "People judge you and all you can do is seek help - but there is no help out there. The mental side was tough, but I just knew I needed to try - and that's why the GoFundMe page was started. I just felt like I was bearing my soul and bearing what happens behind closed doors - I was very nervous." Thankfully, within days, Francesca had received outpourings of support - and has been able to undergo the first three sessions of CAP treatments, after which she says she has already noticed improvements. The fundraiser has not only allowed her to pay for treatments, but to afford things like new bandages to protect her irritated skin in between sessions, which she says has been a "huge relief." The support has been overwhelming - and she has become determined to share her own story, to avoid anyone else feeling alone while suffering from TSW. "I just cannot believe how generous people have been and are being for me - I am lost for words," she said. "I have to bandage myself every night and then during the day if I'm going somewhere that there could be a possible irritant. "These little things have made a huge, huge difference to my day-to-day life. I'm eternally grateful for that, and still very blown away Article continues below "In the hell that I've been living, this has just been such a light for me. Prior to putting it out there, I was at my lowest I've ever been. People know now what's going on and there's no more hiding."
Daily Mirror
28-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'My skin is on fire and I look like I've been burned because of a common cream'
33-year-old Francesca Tebbutt has endured two years of hell after a common cream left her unable to put clothes on or go in the shower as her skin was trapped in a "vicious cycle" A woman has been going through two years of hell after she noticed small red marks on her arm, initially thinking it was minor irritation. Francesca Tebbutt has spent more than two years of her life living with a relentless, little-known condition which has stolen more than just her health, but her independence, career and who she is. The 33-year-old was diagnosed with Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) meaning Francesca endures a severe reaction to steroid creams prescribed to treat her rash. This has led to her skin burning, flaking, weeping and swelling with no warning. At her worst, even just moving her warms, putting clothes on or stepping in the show became unbearable. "Water feels like battery acid on my skin," Francesca said. "I have to take salt baths just to be able to tolerate it. This is my new normal." During winter, she couldn't even wear a coat due to the slightest touch of fabric on her skin set it ablaze. "I couldn't even sit still without pain. That's when I knew something wasn't right," she continued. Rewind to March 2023. Francesca, from Clunderwen, Pembrokeshire, noticed three small round red marks on the inside of her left arm by her elbow, which were mildly irritating. Having never experienced a skin condition and blessed with clear skin throughout her childhood, she was left puzzled, Wales Online reports. "Looking back, it was nothing compared to the pain I feel now," Francesca shared regretfully. "Honestly I wish I could turn back time, especially now knowing what I know." By May, when the marks hadn't disappeared, she decided to bite the bullet and visit her doctor. Upon inspection, Francesca was told that it was likely psoriasis or eczema and given topical steroid cream; a very common prescription. Francesca said that initial, the treatment had worked, but within weeks the rash returned—worse and spreading. Stronger steroids were prescribed, but the pattern repeated itself. Each time the steroids would clear the rash, but come back multiplied and more aggressive. "I was trapped in this vicious cycle: steroid cream, temporary relief, then a flare worse than before," Francesca explains. By January 2024, after months of steroid use, Francesca decided to stop the medication and see what happened. The response was immediate and devastating. Within that same month, Francesca said that her arms were swollen beyond recognition. She couldn't exercise her wrists and was in agonising pain. She described the inflammation as extremely intense—burning, oozing, and unrelenting. She recalled: "One day, I got home from work and I was shaking from the pain. I told my partner that I didn't know what to do, so I went into the bath to try and calm it. I couldn't get any relief. That evening, the pain completely "erupted", forcing Francesca to A&E. Nine hours later, a doctor admitted: "I don't know what this is." For Francesca, the honesty was extremely refreshing, especially after hearing multiple doctors simply write off her condition as a common skin infection. Instead, the doctor took photos and sent them to a dermatologist for further evaluation. Days later, Francesca was informed that the dermatologist also believed that she was suffering from a form of eczema and was consequently prescribed more steroids. Trusting her diagnosis, Francesca diligently applied the cream, which only served to worsen her pain. "It burned like fire," she recounted. "I had to fan myself for the burning to ease. That went on for two weeks. The swelling lessened but the rash spread constantly." Sleep became a stranger. She was constantly hot, uncomfortable, unable to use her hands properly. Simple tasks—washing, cooking—became insurmountable. "Every time I go to bed I have to bandage up like a mummy. I can't lie completely under the duvet. It got to the point where I couldn't remember what comfort felt like." To make matters worst, a few months later, the symptoms had spread to her face. At first, small blisters appeared around her mouth, then that extended to her eyelids. Eating became painful, her face burned constantly, and ice packs became a permanent fixture. "Even my nephews and nieces were scared of me - they looked at me like I was something out of a horror movie." Again, she was prescribed steroids for her face. "Knowing what I do now, I can't believe I actually put it on my face... it's mad." Her life unravelled. An avid rock climber and wellness professional, Francesca found herself unable to move without excruciating pain. By January 2025, the suffering continued unabated. "I couldn't wear clothes touching affected areas because it would burn. I struggled to work because the pain would become too much; taking breaks after every two patients just to rest and manage the symptoms. I stopped going into shops because people stared. I became a shell of myself." That relentless pain, isolation, and unpredictability of her condition also took a severe toll on her mental health. "I'm generally positive, but six months of this broke me. I stopped making plans because I never knew what my skin would be like that day. "It became impossible to stuff without help. Honestly, it really tested my relationship. My partner, works full time but he essentially takes care of me now. Even in the middle of night, just to help me get out of bed and change my icepacks or bandages. "It's difficult because my friends and family see just a skin condition. They don't see what happens behind closed doors." Every day, Francesca's skin sheds constantly, leaving flakes everywhere. The burning and stinging sensation never stops. It's like her skin is on fire—she experiences uncontrollable itching attacks, oozing skin, and open sores vulnerable to infection. "There's just no break from it," she said. Over months of feeling this way, Francesca continued to research - desperate to find out what was happening to her. The turning point came when she discovered ITSAN, the International Topical Steroids Awareness Network. Reading the medical symptoms and watching the educational videos was a revelation; the information mirrored her symptoms perfectly. TSW occurs when the skin becomes dependent on steroids, and withdrawal causes severe, painful inflammation, itching, and skin damage. Despite being estimated to affect 15% of steroid users, it remains largely unknown among doctors. The relief of finally having a name for her condition—and a community of people going through the same ordeal—was immense. She shared: "Seeing others who looked like me helped my mental health more than anything." Looking back, Francesca realises her initial symptoms were likely a fungal infection—not eczema or psoriasis—and she never should have been prescribed steroids in the first place. "When I first went to the doctor, I also had bad dandruff, which would've hinted towards a fungal infection but this wasn't even considered," she claimed. "Had I been properly diagnosed, I would have been over it within four weeks. It's heartbreaking to think about." However, now fully aware of her condition, Francesca has discovered a promising treatment that could give her "life back". Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) Therapy is a non-invasive therapy that reduces inflammation, kills harmful bacteria, stimulates skin repair, and helps restore the skin barrier—a potential lifeline for TSW patients. The catch? The medical-grade CAP therapy is only available in three places worldwide: Singapore, Bangkok, and the UK. "I immediately called the UK branch in Winchester but was informed that there was no immediate availability," she said. "They were able to put me on a waitlist, but there was no indication of when they would be free." In her desperation, Francesca contacted the clinic in Bangkok, which confirmed her diagnosis. "They asked me to send over my medical history, to see the potency of the steroids and the length of time I had been using them. "From that, they estimated that my recovery without CAP could take up to two years. With the treatment, my skin would return to normal within six months. "Hearing that it could be two years before I was myself again — that was a real kick in the teeth. It made me even more determined to get this treatment." The caveat of it all was that Francesca would have to relocate to Bangkok for four to six months; which as a self-employed health professional, was impossible. "There are thousands of people like me who have had to go and live in these countries for this treatment. I tried to reason staying a month, but they said that by the time I settled to the change of climate, it would be pointless." Thankfully, in the weeks between, a spot has opened up in the UK. Francesca is about to start six months of weekly sessions, each costing £180–£270. She shared that the financial burden has pushed her to set up a GoFundMe, which has so far raised over £2,000—something Francesca can barely believe. The link can be found here. "It has meant the absolute world to me. I was so nervous when I first set up this page, to show people these pictures of me. I didn't know what to expect. "But it has been unbelievable to see the amount of support. It is emotional for me to think about these people—many of whom I've never even met—wanting to help me get my life back." To add to the cost, Francesca has to take into account travel and accommodation. The clinic is four hours away, too far and risky for public transport due to infection. She'll need overnight stays and a companion to drive and support her, as fatigue from treatments will force her to cut back work drastically. "It's hard to ask for help, and I feel embarrassed. But I've reached the point where I have to try. I can't do this alone—though it often feels like I have been, during this ordeal." Her income has dropped sharply, and every day feels like scaling a mountain she never expected to climb. Yet, despite the exhaustion and pain, Francesca's spirit refuses to break. She's determined to turn her suffering into strength — to not only fight for herself but to shine a light on this misunderstood condition. "TSW stole two years of my life. I want people to know about it so no one else has to suffer in silence or feel as lost and alone as I did." Her dream is simple, yet profound: to wake up not thinking about her skin, to fall asleep without wrapping herself in bandages, to wear clothes that she wants to wear — to look in the mirror and recognise herself. "It brings tears to my eyes to even think about it. I want to live without the constant fear of flare-ups, without the isolation and the pain that takes over everything." Francesca knows the road ahead will be tough. But with the treatment, the support of strangers turned friends, and her own fierce resilience, she holds onto the hope that one day soon, this chapter will end, and a new one will begin.
Wales Online
28-06-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
My skin is constantly on fire and I look like a burns victim because of a common cream, this might last years
My skin is constantly on fire and I look like a burns victim because of a common cream, this might last years "I looked like a burn victim... even my nephews and nieces were scared of me - they looked at me like I was something out of a horror movie" Francesca Tebbutt from Pembrokeshire, is living with a relentless condition that has stolen two years of her life (Image: Francesca Tebbutt ) When Francesca Tebbutt first noticed a few red marks on her arm, she thought little of it. A bit of irritation, maybe a minor rash; nothing that couldn't be sorted with a quick trip to the doctor. That was over two years ago. Now, the 33-year-old from Clunderwen, Pembrokeshire, is living with a relentless, little-known condition that has stolen more than just her skin's health. It's taken her independence, her career, and a big part of who she is. Diagnosed with Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW), Francesca endures a severe reaction to the steroid creams prescribed to treat her rash—creams that instead triggered a nightmare. Her skin is a battlefield: burning, flaking, weeping, and swelling without warning. At her worst, even moving her arms, putting on clothes, or stepping into the shower becomes unbearable. "Water feels like battery acid on my skin," she says. "I have to take salt baths just to be able to tolerate it. This is my new normal." Throughout winter, she couldn't ever wear a coat, not because she didn't want to, but because the slightest touch of fabric set her skin ablaze. "I couldn't even sit still without pain. That's when I knew something wasn't right." Francesca shared that throughout her childhood and teen years, she was often complimented for her clear skin (Image: Francesca Tebbutt ) Article continues below Rewind to March 2023. Francesca had noticed three small round red marks on the inside of her left arm by her elbow, which were mildly irritating. Having never experienced a skin condition and blessed with clear skin throughout her childhood, she was left puzzled. "Looking back, it was nothing compared to the pain I feel now," Francesca shared regretfully. "Honestly I wish I could turn back time, especially now knowing what I know." By May, when the marks hadn't disappeared, she decided to bite the bullet and visit her doctor. Upon inspection, Francesca was told that it was likely psoriasis or eczema and given topical steroid cream; a very common prescription. Francesca said that initiall, the treatment had worked, but within weeks the rash returned—worse and spreading. Stronger steroids were prescribed, but the pattern repeated itself. Each time the steroids would clear the rash, but come back multiplied and more aggressive. "I was trapped in this vicious cycle: steroid cream, temporary relief, then a flare worse than before," Francesca explains. By January 2024, after months of steroid use, Francesca decided to stop the medication and see what happened. The response was immediate and devastating. Within that same month, Francesca said that her arms were swollen beyond recognition. She couldn't exercise her wrists and was in agonising pain. She described the inflammation as extremely intense—burning, oozing, and unrelenting. She recalls, "One day, I got home from work and I was shaking from the pain. I told my partner that I didn't know what to do, so I went into the bath to try and calm it. I couldn't get any relief. "I knew something was up. It just didn't sit right." Stay informed on the latest health news by signing up to our newsletter here That evening, the pain completely "erupted", forcing Francesca to A&E. Nine hours later, a doctor admitted: "I don't know what this is." For Francesca, the honesty was extremely refreshing, especially after hearing multiple doctors simply write off her condition as a common skin infection. Instead, the doctor took photos and sent them to a dermatologist for further evaluation. Days later, Francesca was informed that the dermatologist also believed that she was suffering from a form of eczema and was consequently prescribed more steroids. Trusting her diagnosis, Francesca diligently applied the cream, which only served to worsen her pain. "It burned like fire," she recounted. "I had to fan myself for the burning to ease. That went on for two weeks. The swelling lessened but the rash spread constantly." Sleep became a stranger. She was constantly hot, uncomfortable, unable to use her hands properly. Simple tasks—washing, cooking—became insurmountable. "Every time I go to bed I have to bandage up like a mummy. I can't lie completely under the duvet. It got to the point where I couldn't remember what comfort felt like." Francesca is restricted from menial tasks such as washing up and chopping vegetables (Image: Francesca Tebbutt ) To make matters worst, a few months later, the symptoms had spread to her face. At first, small blisters appeared around her mouth, then that extended to her eyelids. Eating became painful, her face burned constantly, and ice packs became a permanent fixture. "I looked like a burn victim," she says. "Even my nephews and nieces were scared of me - they looked at me like I was something out of a horror movie." Again, she was prescribed steroids for her face. "Knowing what I do now, I can't believe I actually put it on my face... it's mad." Francesca "retreated" within herself, embarrassed to go to the shops or see her family (Image: Francesca Tebbutt ) Her life unravelled. An avid rock climber and wellness professional, Francesca found herself unable to move without excruciating pain. By January 2025, the suffering continued unabated. "I couldn't wear clothes touching affected areas because it would burn. I struggled to work because the pain would become too much; taking breaks after every two patients just to rest and manage the symptoms. I stopped going into shops because people stared. I became a shell of myself." That relentless pain, isolation, and unpredictability of her condition also took a severe toll on her mental health. "I'm generally positive, but six months of this broke me. I stopped making plans because I never knew what my skin would be like that day. "It became impossible to stuff without help. Honestly, it really tested my relationship. My partner, works full time but he essentially takes care of me now. Even in the middle of night, just to help me get out of bed and change my icepacks or bandages. "It's difficult because my friends and family see just a skin condition. They don't see what happens behind closed doors." Every day, Francesca's skin sheds constantly, leaving flakes everywhere. The burning and stinging sensation never stops. It's like her skin is on fire—she experiences uncontrollable itching attacks, oozing skin, and open sores vulnerable to infection. "There's just no break from it," she said. Over months of feeling this way, Francesca continued to research - desperate to find out what was happening to her. The turning point came when she discovered ITSAN, the International Topical Steroids Awareness Network. Reading the medical symptoms and watching the educational videos was a revelation; the information mirrored her symptoms perfectly. Francesca has been diagnosed with Topical Steroid Withdrawal, a severe reaction to the steroid creams (Image: Francesca Tebbutt ) TSW occurs when the skin becomes dependent on steroids, and withdrawal causes severe, painful inflammation, itching, and skin damage. Despite being estimated to affect 15% of steroid users, it remains largely unknown among doctors. The relief of finally having a name for her condition—and a community of people going through the same ordeal—was immense. She shared: "Seeing others who looked like me helped my mental health more than anything." Looking back, Francesca realises her initial symptoms were likely a fungal infection—not eczema or psoriasis—and she never should have been prescribed steroids in the first place. "When I first went to the doctor, I also had bad dandruff, which would've hinted towards a fungal infection but this wasn't even considered," she claimed. "Had I been properly diagnosed, I would have been over it within four weeks. It's heartbreaking to think about." However, now fully aware of her condition, Francesca has discovered a promising treatment that could give her "life back". Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) Therapy is a non-invasive therapy that reduces inflammation, kills harmful bacteria, stimulates skin repair, and helps restore the skin barrier—a potential lifeline for TSW sufferers. The catch? The medical-grade CAP therapy is only available in three places worldwide: Singapore, Bangkok, and the UK. "I immediately called the UK branch in Winchester but was informed that there was no immediate availability," she said. "They were able to put me on a waitlist, but there was no indication of when they would be free." In her desperation, Francesca contacted the clinic in Bangkok, which confirmed her diagnosis. "They asked me to send over my medical history, to see the potency of the steroids and the length of time I had been using them. "From that, they estimated that my recovery without CAP could take up to two years. With, my skin would return to normal within six months. "Hearing that it could be two years before I was myself again — that was a real kick in the teeth. It made me even more determined to get this treatment." The caveat of it all was that Francesca would have to relocate to Bangkok for four to six months; which as a self-employed health professional, was impossible. "There are thousands of people like me who have had to go and live in these countries for this treatment. I tried to reason staying a month, but they said that by the time I settled to the change of climate, it would be pointless." Thankfully, in the weeks between, a spot has opened up in the UK. Francesca is about to start six months of weekly sessions, each costing £180–£270. She shared that the financial burden has pushed her to set up a GoFundMe, which has so far raised over £2,000—something Francesca can barely believe. The link can be found here. "It has meant the absolute world to me. I was so nervous when I first set up this page, to show people these pictures of me. I didn't know what to expect. "But it has been unbelievable to see the amount of support. It is emotional for me to think about these people—many of whom I've never even met—wanting to help me get my life back." To add to the cost, Francesca has to take into account travel and accommodation. The clinic is four hours away, too far and risky for public transport due to infection. She'll need overnight stays and a companion to drive and support her, as fatigue from treatments will force her to cut back work drastically. "It's hard to ask for help, and I feel embarrassed. But I've reached the point where I have to try. I can't do this alone—though it often feels like I have been, during this ordeal." Her income has dropped sharply, and every day feels like scaling a mountain she never expected to climb. Yet, despite the exhaustion and pain, Francesca's spirit refuses to break. She's determined to turn her suffering into strength — to not only fight for herself but to shine a light on this misunderstood condition. "TSW stole two years of my life. I want people to know about it so no one else has to suffer in silence or feel as lost and alone as I did." Her dream is simple, yet profound: to wake up not thinking about her skin, to fall asleep without wrapping herself in bandages, to wear clothes that she wants to wear — to look in the mirror and recognise herself. "It brings tears to my eyes to even think about it. I want to live without the constant fear of flare-ups, without the isolation and the pain that takes over everything." Francesca knows the road ahead will be tough. But with the treatment, the support of strangers turned friends, and her own fierce resilience, she holds onto the hope that one day soon, this chapter will end, and a new one will begin. Article continues below
