Latest news with #TopicalSteroidWithdrawal
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."
Scottish Sun
30-04-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Common skin cream has left me with horrific weeping, oozing wounds – I'm sharing photos to warn others of my mistake
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A WOMAN that's been left with red, weeping rashes and open wounds says stopping using steroid cream has been "the most horrific thing she's ever been through". Ineta Petraityte has been left housebound and in constant pain after developing Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW). 6 Ineta Petraityte used steroid cream for years to treat her eczema Credit: Jam Press/Ineta Petraityte 6 After years of use, her skin suddenly stopped responding to the treatment, and she broke out in weeping rashes and open wounds Credit: Jam Press/Ineta Petraityte 6 She spent nights pacing in agony or lying on the floor in tears Credit: Jam Press/Ineta Petraityte After years of using the drug to treat eczema, the 33-year-old's skin suddenly stopped responding to the treatment. Ineta began breaking out in weeping rashes and open wounds, and developed an unbearable, deep itch. Her hair also severely thinned, she lost more than three stone and became too weak to stand for long. She spent her nights pacing in agony or lying on the floor in tears. The condition also put immense pressure on her personal life. Ineta had recently moved to Texas from London to be with her partner, but the relationship broke down shortly after her health began to decline. 'It's the most horrific thing I've been through,' Ineta said. 'You literally have to grieve your old self because you'll never be the same again – it's very traumatic. 'I couldn't leave my bed and didn't leave the house for three months. 'This condition is dehumanising.' Originally from Lithuania, Ineta had been using topical steroids on and off since she was 16. Sun Health Explainer: Skin rashes - eczema, psoriasis, sepsis But by the end of 2023, her eczema worsened, seeing she used the cream around five times a day for a year. Ineta claims she was never warned of the long-term dangers of using steroid creams consistently. She said: 'I went and picked it up in the pharmacy without being checked by a doctor or dermatologist. 'No one knows how much someone is using – that's where the problem stems from. 'I had a stressful job that needed care and attention, and I used it for way longer than I should have. 'I knew it was a strong cream but I definitely didn't know it thins the skin or would give me the horrific symptoms that it has done.' I knew it was a strong cream but I definitely didn't know it thins the skin or would give me the horrific symptoms that it has done Ineta Petraityte Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) is a severe skin reaction that can happen when someone stops using steroid creams after long-term use. The skin flares up – often with burning, itching, redness and oozing. Ineta, who worked for a life coach company before she became unwell, says she had no idea what was happening to her body until Christmas 2024. A desperate Google image search led her to TSW. That's when it all clicked – the creams she'd been using were harming her instead of helping her. Red rashes were the first sign Ineta says the problem initially started as red rashes before developing into weeping skin. It then became dry and flaky and her hair started severely thinning. She said: 'My hair was touching my bum – it was nice and blonde. 'Now it's just below [my] ears because I had to cut a lot of it off.' Sadly, Ineta is still in the grips of TSW and struggling with cracked skin, weeping wounds and itchiness every day. Seeking 'sun and sea therapy' She recently moved to the Cayman Islands in the Caribbean to try 'sun and sea therapy'. While the saltwater stings her skin, she hopes the natural and warm climate will help her recover. She's also set up a GoFundMe appeal to help fund her health journey. Ineta said: 'I have to vacuum the bed every morning because I leave a Hansel and Gretel trail of flakes everywhere. 'I have complete insomnia now – I sleep every third night. 'But I hope that my move to the Cayman Islands will see my skin improve. 6 Ineta claims she was never warned of the long-term dangers of using steroid creams consistently Credit: Jam Press/Ineta Petraityte 6 She recently moved to the Cayman Islands in the Caribbean to try 'sun and sea therapy' Credit: Jam Press/Ineta Petraityte 6 Ineta is now steadily improving and is looking to raise awareness of TSW Credit: Jam Press/Ineta Petraityte 'After a challenging journey, I am now on the mend and steadily improving. 'Recovery from TSW is often a slow and difficult process, but many – myself included – start to see real progress around the one-year mark. 'It's important for others going through this to know that while the symptoms can be intense and debilitating, healing is possible with time. 'I'm sharing my experience to offer hope and to raise awareness about the typical recovery timeline that so many in the TSW community endure. 'Despite what I am going through, I take comfort in sharing my story because I want to help others. 'People need to know that these creams offer temporary relief but potentially permanent regret. 'Consult a doctor before you start using them. 'One tube too far can scar for life.'
The Sun
30-04-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Common skin cream has left me with horrific weeping, oozing wounds – I'm sharing photos to warn others of my mistake
A WOMAN that's been left with red, weeping rashes and open wounds says stopping using steroid cream has been "the most horrific thing she's ever been through". Ineta Petraityte has been left housebound and in constant pain after developing Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW). 6 6 After years of using the drug to treat eczema, the 33-year-old's skin suddenly stopped responding to the treatment. Ineta began breaking out in weeping rashes and open wounds, and developed an unbearable, deep itch. Her hair also severely thinned, she lost more than three stone and became too weak to stand for long. She spent her nights pacing in agony or lying on the floor in tears. The condition also put immense pressure on her personal life. Ineta had recently moved to Texas from London to be with her partner, but the relationship broke down shortly after her health began to decline. 'It's the most horrific thing I've been through,' Ineta said. 'You literally have to grieve your old self because you'll never be the same again – it's very traumatic. 'I couldn't leave my bed and didn't leave the house for three months. 'This condition is dehumanising.' Originally from Lithuania, Ineta had been using topical steroids on and off since she was 16. But by the end of 2023, her eczema worsened, seeing she used the cream around five times a day for a year. Ineta claims she was never warned of the long-term dangers of using steroid creams consistently. She said: 'I went and picked it up in the pharmacy without being checked by a doctor or dermatologist. 'No one knows how much someone is using – that's where the problem stems from. 'I had a stressful job that needed care and attention, and I used it for way longer than I should have. 'I knew it was a strong cream but I definitely didn't know it thins the skin or would give me the horrific symptoms that it has done.' I knew it was a strong cream but I definitely didn't know it thins the skin or would give me the horrific symptoms that it has done Ineta Petraityte Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) is a severe skin reaction that can happen when someone stops using steroid creams after long-term use. The skin flares up – often with burning, itching, redness and oozing. Ineta, who worked for a life coach company before she became unwell, says she had no idea what was happening to her body until Christmas 2024. A desperate Google image search led her to TSW. That's when it all clicked – the creams she'd been using were harming her instead of helping her. Red rashes were the first sign Ineta says the problem initially started as red rashes before developing into weeping skin. It then became dry and flaky and her hair started severely thinning. She said: 'My hair was touching my bum – it was nice and blonde. 'Now it's just below [my] ears because I had to cut a lot of it off.' Sadly, Ineta is still in the grips of TSW and struggling with cracked skin, weeping wounds and itchiness every day. Seeking 'sun and sea therapy' She recently moved to the Cayman Islands in the Caribbean to try 'sun and sea therapy'. While the saltwater stings her skin, she hopes the natural and warm climate will help her recover. She's also set up a GoFundMe appeal to help fund her health journey. Ineta said: 'I have to vacuum the bed every morning because I leave a Hansel and Gretel trail of flakes everywhere. 'I have complete insomnia now – I sleep every third night. 'But I hope that my move to the Cayman Islands will see my skin improve. 6 6 6 'After a challenging journey, I am now on the mend and steadily improving. 'Recovery from TSW is often a slow and difficult process, but many – myself included – start to see real progress around the one-year mark. 'It's important for others going through this to know that while the symptoms can be intense and debilitating, healing is possible with time. 'I'm sharing my experience to offer hope and to raise awareness about the typical recovery timeline that so many in the TSW community endure. 'Despite what I am going through, I take comfort in sharing my story because I want to help others. 'People need to know that these creams offer temporary relief but potentially permanent regret. 'Consult a doctor before you start using them. 'One tube too far can scar for life.' Products that help eczema Jae Rance, creator of ScratchSleeves and author of The Calm Skin Guide, shares her top products to help eczema. For eczema around the mouth: Try an SLS free toothpaste like Oranurse. Prevent itching at night: Covering your child's hands at night may help. ScratchSleeves have built-in mitts to cover the hands. Socks are an immediate solution when you have nothing to hand, but are easier to rip off. For cleaning skin: Using plain water and a microfibre wash mitt can do wonders for keeping your baby clean. You can also use your regular emollient for washing. To remove potential laundy detergent triggers: Contrary to popular belief, biological detergents are not a common trigger for eczema. Instead it's the optical brighteners and fragrances that typically cause the problem. Fragrance free versions of eco brands like Ecover Zero are a good option. To help itch relief: Some eczema creams like E45 Itch Relief include anti-itch ingredients which act as a local anaesthetic. These creams can usually only be used twice a day but can be really useful when the itch is really annoying, especially at bedtime. Oatmeal has anti-itch properties. Aveeno is the best known oatmeal based brand, AproDerm also has a good range. Boost the skin barrier: Ceramides can help to re-establish the balance of fats necessary for the skin barrier to function effectively. One ceramide-containing cream is looking particularly hopeful – EpiCeram, which is prescription only. CeraVe Moisturising Cream for dry and very dry skin, which also contains ceramides, available over the counter.
