Eczema / Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW)
Progress Photos
I’ve suffered from severe eczema for my entire life. For most of my life, I used conventional medicine’s go-to solution of topical steroid creams and ointments. Topical steroids never provided any lasting relief, and many times (as is the case with most eczema-sufferers), my eczema flares would come back even nastier than the breakout before. But, sadly, that was the best solution I had—I was trapped in this cycle.
In 2015, I decided to stop using steroids altogether when I couldn’t deny any longer that they were clearly doing my body more harm than good. But with no other readily-available solutions, I was left stuck in this spiral of pain, overwhelm, and hopelessness. In the following years, as I learned more about the many alternative approaches to healing eczema, I went through topical steroid withdrawal (TSW). Through this process, my body expelled the build-up of eczema that I had been suppressing in my body for years with steroid-use (which is an immunosuppressant). TSW allowed the years of suppressed eczema to come to the surface of my skin, so that it could literally shed off—out of my body forever. With time, patience, and so much incredibly hard work, layer after layer, this would eventually bring forth new, healthy, eczema-free skin.
This was, without doubt, the most difficult and traumatic thing I have ever experienced. Yet I couldn’t be more grateful for the countless ways this journey has transformed me—physically, mentally, and spiritually. Now, here are just some of the hundreds of photos I have of that unbelievable time of intense growth in my life. And thank you for taking the time to hear my story.
Graphic Content Warning
The following contains graphic images that may be upsetting or triggering for some people.
View at your own discretion.
This is me now.
My life may have been abruptly put on hold for a few years, but once again, I’m able to enjoy all the functionality I had before—and more.
I hope my story provides encouragement, comfort, and hope to others who suffer from eczema and inspires people to live their happiest, healthiest lives.
There were very limited areas left unaffected by the constant peeling and shedding of this process. At one point or another, almost my entire body had succumbed to the peeling flakes of skin that TSW required in order to heal. This process was also incredibly painful. For almost 2 years straight, it felt like every tiny movement I made caused me great physical pain. I remember taking this photo (above) and feeling how much it hurt just to raise my arm above my head to snap this.
(Above) These are piles of dead skin flakes that I would sweep up from my floor multiple times, every single day, for the better part of 2 years, as I went through TSW. To say this part of the routine likely contributed to some of the trauma of this journey would be a huge understatement. More importantly, you can view the video below (Healing Topical Steroid Withdrawal & Severe Eczema) to get a better understanding of both sides of this coin and how strong the mindset of an eczema warrior can really be.
Even in some of my more recent “after” photos, I still have some visible eczema flares here and there. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned from this journey, which is true with any aspect of health, is the importance of maintaining your health once your goal is reached. Through significant lifestyle change, I’m proud to have learned many ways to make my optimal level of health as sustainable as possible. You can learn more about what my healing journey was like and the things that helped me by exploring my blog.
Thank you, again, for tuning in and allowing me to share my story. Know that I’m wishing you another day of light, health, and happiness.
- Cassie