2024 had it's ups and downs, with the best of 2024 being our wedding. We had the most magical day, my skin was the best it's ever been, everyone got along and everyone was so happy. If only I could rewind and relive that day all over again, how has it been nearly a year!
Let's cut to the chase, my skin has been the worst it's been for a while and I'm here to discuss why. On 5th November 2024 we sadly lost one of our bunnies to a short illness which we desperately tried to pull him through but lost the battle. I have never experienced the loss of a pet before and never thought it would be so bad, but losing TashTash broke my heart. Shortly after this we had some news that meant my Step-Mom had to have urgent surgery and whilst this was ongoing my Nan was admitted into hospital and diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer and then taken for end of life care in a hospice. Sadly on Monday 23rd December my Nan peacefully passed away. She was the glue that held The Sumner family together and was the reason we all loved and celebrated Christmas so much, she loved it, so the loss right on top of Christmas has been hard. That's without work and then being called out to my Mom's house just days ago whilst they're away on a trip to Australia to find the whole house flooded due to our extreme cold weather bursting a pipe in the loft! Give us a break, we are only 19 days into 2025!
Since being with my Husband I have grown more resilient, got that bit stronger and been taught to take the bull by the horns and think positively which I'm forever grateful for the strength I have gained over the past few years, however with loss and bad news, one thing after another I found myself being unable to control it all.
I'm currently suffering with a very nasty flare up, but one I can't get my brain around. It's not a normal eczema flare up where my skin will flare in the most sensitive and affected areas but flared all over. I am red, burning up and hot to touch losing heat from my skin yet feel cold inside. I have tingling and crawling sensations under the skin alongside nerve pain and am very dry and dehydrated. I also have that topical steroid withdrawal symptom elephant skin where the skin becomes thick, tight and lacks elasticity. This is very much like a TSW flare, but I have not touched steroids for years and had recovered from my TSW phase.
With how bad my anxiety has been I have been looking into and researching how anxiety affects the skin and have come to the decision that this has to be the reason why.
This is what I have found...
Common Skin Anxiety Symptoms:
"- It feels like your skin is burning as though you have a sunburn or something very hot touched your skin, but there are no apparent burn marks or visible reasons for your skin to be burning or feel like it is burned.
- It feels like your skin, or parts of your skin, is being burned by “hot sparks” (like a hot piece of metal or “spark” has landed on your skin).
- It feels like your skin is experiencing a “crawly/crawling” sensation, yet there is no visible reason for it.
- Your skin feels a prickly, stinging, or biting sensation for no apparent reason.
- Your skin suddenly feels unusually painful, yet there is no obvious reason for the pain.
- It can feel as though your skin experienced a sudden electric shock or zap, yet you weren’t near anything electrical.
- It feels like you are experiencing unexplainable nerve pain just under the skin, but there isn’t any visible reason.
- Your skin feels like it is numb, tingling, or experiencing pins and needles, but there is no apparent reason.
- It feels like your skin is itchy (even very itchy and persistently itchy) or prickly, yet there are no visible reasons for these sensations.
- It feels like your skin is overly sensitive. For example, your skin can be super sensitive to air, touch, heat, cold, or anything resting on it, touching it, or dragging across it (blankets, clothing, others touching you, etc.).
- It feels like a patch or patches of your skin have been anesthetized.
- A patch of skin (or many patches) suddenly feel “shivery” or “goosebumpy.”
- It feels like an area of skin feels unusually tight for no reason.
- Allodynia: Nerve pain due to a stimulus that does not normally provoke pain, such as a heightened sensitivity to touch and other contact to the skin.
And so on..."
Description, Causes, Treatment
So with symptoms of Topical Steroid Withdrawal being so similar to the way anxiety can affect our skin, I can only put this down to the upset and stress I have been under since Christmas.
After seeing the Mental Health Nurse at my surgery and discussing ways to cope with anxiety and stress I have given in and booked an appointment with my GP to discuss going back on medication in the hope that this will keep my body and mind calm in order to clear my skin.
I will be sure to update you all on this however would love to hear if anyone else has had similar experiences with eczema/tsw skin and anxiety?
Let's hope for better months to come and a positive 2025!
1 year and around 6 months without any complaints or severe flare ups and BAM! As soon as I go back to work after having a few days off with the man flu I come down with a viral infection and Eczemaherpeticum 😩
Another visit to the doctor's gritting my teeth because I knew the second she saw my face she would recommend a course of topical and oral steroids... Of course she did. Even after sitting with a second Doctor spending 15 minutes reading through all my history 🙄
Just when you think you were getting somewhere after years of suffering, years of screaming to the rooftops and boring people about the awareness of TSW and all of its side effects. I even got good old Google up and had to show her the write up about what Eczemaherpeticum is "Eczema herpeticum is a rare but severe disseminated infection that generally occurs at sites of skin damage produced by, for example, atopic dermatitis, burns, long-term usage of topical steroids or eczema" yet still oblivious but we eventually got there and I was prescribed and reunited with my old friends, Acyclovir 800mg!
It's so easy to sit and cry about the bad days, especially like today when it stops you going to work and stops you doing the things you love for a little while but I have to remember how far I've come and how much better my condition is now in comparison to what it used to be... which reminds me, today is World Mental Health Day... So please be kind, not only to each other but to yourself 💕
Happy 6 Years blogging and to celebrate... An angry flare up!
After discovering Topical Steroid Withdrawal, ditching the steroid creams, regular courses of Prednisone and prescribed stuff to control and manage my eczema it has been slowly improving. Don't get me wrong it's been looooong winded taking years but if I look back I have definitely come a long way. There is no cure and ever since I can remember I've suffered severely with eczema especially on my face, neck, creases of my arms and the backs of my legs, which I still suffer with today and I have even gained a few more patches I didn't suffer with before that I struggle with now. However we do have the good days, my skin loves the summer sun and fun but these are the months I dread, the winter and cold and I am here to say I'm not having the best time as of late and am currently experiencing an angry flare up. My face, neck, stomach, my sides, my arms, up my back and the back of my legs are really struggling right now. Everything irritates, clothes, creams, the warmth, the cold, you name it! My skin to touch is so hot yet I am cold (as always) and no matter what I do my skin has become stubborn and has decided to do as it pleases and cause me hell. This morning was the worst I've been for a good few months to the point after having a bath and putting cream on the stress of the flare up brought on another panic attack :( I sometimes forget how bad it used to be and with having more good days than bad lately it hits me harder when I do have a flare up and suffer.
Over the past 2 weeks I have had a lot of stress with being late organising Christmas this year, trying to plan and pay for a wedding and on top of that on Friday I will be leaving my job of 4 years, the place I met my husband to be and will be preparing to start a new job at a different school, in a different area as from January 2024 so I'm pretty sure the above is the cause, and the fact I've had a fair few Gins this weekend to combat it all at a couple of family parties definitely has topped it off!
As you can see I'm pretty inflamed, a little red and very sore which I haven't been for a while now so I am not a happy bunny and as always have taken to the keyboard to document this. With my wedding on the horizon come February 2024 it stresses me out that my skin will flare, I will look awful and it will ruin my big day but with finally getting out of a toxic workplace (despite having the best of friends who are a big support there) and training myself to try keep calm, I'm pushing that fear to the back of my mind and facing 2024 head on!
If you are suffering with a skin condition this winter please don't suffer alone, my inbox is always open and my social media accounts are always running. Speak up and let's face this shit together!
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year...
For the past few months now I have been having Acupuncture with Omie for a number of ongoing issues, the main being my skin, not as regularly as I would like or that is maybe required for stronger results, however I have noticed such a difference and I wanted to share it with you.
What is Acupuncture?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Acupuncture has been practiced for many centuries. Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific acupuncture points on the body stimulating channels or meridians where Qi flows. TCM determines and treats the root cause of disease and illness rather than just the symptoms; it takes a different approach to Western medicine and is often used complementary to the Western model of medicine.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine a human being is thought to be a microcosm of the macrocosm; the whole universe. TCM observes Nature and does not view humans as being separate from Nature. If there is pain or disharmony in the body there will be some form of stagnation; if the stagnation is removed so will the pain bringing balance back to the internal landscape. An in depth consultation is carried to make a TCM diagnosis which involves looking at the tongue, feeling the pulses and observing a persons individual constitution as well as discussing lifestyle, diet and sleep patterns.
A course of Acupuncture sessions is usually required to begin with especially for chronic conditions. Acupuncture has a culminative effect and a bespoke treatment plan will be discussed with you at the initial session.
Acupuncture can be used to treat various conditions both acute and chronic. In my practice I work with various conditions including hormonal imbalances, peri-menopause, menopause, fertility, acute and chronic injuries, pain management, fatigue, mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression and also cancer. - Information taken from Omie's website: http://www.omiemegan.co.uk/offerings/
Alongside TCM Acupuncture Omie also offers Reflexology, Foot Baths, Facial Gua Sha, Facial Reflexology and Traditional Fire Cupping.
Here is an article and success story that also supports the use of TCM Acupuncture for Eczema: https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids-news/horrendous-condition-left-embarrassed-go-26190016?fbclid=IwAR2ieZToWC5Oy6YPD9KyVdFCQXfF9WhVHlWfGSky3g7MI_vy691FWlYkIug
As per usual I have not taken before and after photos from sessions with Omie but what I can say is that although I didn't notice much difference after the first session other than better sleep and feeling alot calmer with my anxiety, over time the overall health of my skin has improved and my panic attacks and anxiety have subsided and I cannot be more grateful. Not only is Omie a beautiful, kind and supportive person (also close friend of my Mom's) she is very educated and fully qualified in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Upon arrival to Omie's lovely home she always greets you with a smile, gets you settled into the treatment room, takes down your personal information and medical notes and always asks how you are. Me being me always bores Omie with my life story and what shit is usually going down haha! She then allows you to get comfortable on the bed offering a heated blanket etc before checking your pulses and noting this down to compare this to your pulses after your session. When I went to my first session I was very nervous and aprehensive as I did not know what to expect with it involving needles, especially with a phobia of needles, however these are the tiniest of things and absolutely nothing to be scared of and pain free. When I tell you once Omie had inserted all the needles and left me with some calming meditating music in the background on the warm heated blanket I was in another world. Relaxed, care free and feeling as light as a feather, all the worries I had before had melted away and I even felt a little emotional, but in a good way... this feeling stayed with me for a good 24 hours afterwards which was worth it all. Once my session was over Omie removed the needles and gave me plenty of time to bring myself back into the room, get changed and settle back into the chair where she had left me some refreshing cold lemon water before coming back into the room and checking my pulses which of course had slowed right down.
This is just a little insight into my experience and like I have said I do go as regularly as I can but the more sessions the better results. Whatever the issue TCM Acupuncture can cover it, I love it and have not had a negative exoerience so far.
There are alot of conspiracies around Traditional Chinese Medication especially Acupuncture but everyone is different and all I can say is don't knock it until you try it.
Thank you to Omie for her support and help with my sessions and I will link Omie's website again below if you fancy giving TCM a go!
Hello! I'm Omie a Licensed Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Acupuncturist and Reflexologist based in Penn, Wolverhampton.
My journey
My last blog was at the start of 2023 and things weren't too bad where my skin was concerned and I have realised it has been nearly 8 months since I last blogged which is good, as I only ever really blog documenting the bad days. I know people don't read these and I am probably waffling onto myself but I thought I may as well blog even if it's just to document this for myself to read back on when days aren't as glorious because my skins behaving for once and I am happy with that!
So... How is my skin? I did take a bit of a dip after New Year having flares a little regular yet shorter and allowing it to really chew away at my mental health to the point I went back into the pattern of freaking out and trying to search for a cure and trying other creams and supplements to help until I finally gave up searching and calmed the hell down about it. My skin settled shortly after (I do ride these rollercoasters of sudden flares and then settle within days with no explination) and it wasn't until I had an issue at work causing me to have a weekend of stress and emotional upset that I knew 100000% that stress was definately my main trigger. Again, once this was resolved my skin calmed down.
I am still using Cerave Moisturising Cream and after ditching probiotics, Apple Cider Vinegar and Raspberry Ketone capsules that I was trialling, non of which really worked and gave my body a rest for a couple months I started taking Evening Oil of Primrose capsules. My Mom gave me these when I was a child growing up suffering with chronic eczema so it was worth a go again right? Well it's either a coinsidence or a massive help but my skin has been at it's best for a while and alongside this I have been having a weekly session on the sunbeds.
Sunbeds... There are lots of theories on wether these help and support skin conditions and wether or not they cause skin cancer. Some find even the word Sunbed scary and my Dermatologist hates the word, despite prescribing "Phototherapy" claiming this is not a sunbed and you do not tan. Phototherapy did not help my skin, in fact made it worst and I did in fact tan! I have 6-9mins per week on the sunbed and this has purely been due to going to Italy in 8 days for a family holiday/my cousins wedding and not wanting to burn in their heatwave. I have noticed the sunbed has really helped with the elasticity of my skin, has decreased the dryness and given me a lovely glow which I usually struggle to maintain with Eczema and TSW skin. Just to have that bit of a glow has made me look and feel so much better, making those shitty skin days more bareable so it is worth that bit of UV fear.
My Dermatologist. He's Marmite. You love him or hate him. I used to love him. The immunosuppressants that helped and I reccomend them to anyone suffering the worst of TSW as they give you just that bit of life back to help you cope, but even now when I go to my appointments at nearly 4 years steroid free and 3 and a half years immunosuppressant free and am still questioned why my skins still improving yet I'm not using the things hes prescribing me and am still refusing topical steroids, immunosuppressants and now jackinhibators which is some new thing! I could easily allow him to discharge me but with having an auto immune condition, history of severe eczema, topical steroid withdrawal and still picking up colds, sickness and infections easily I think to mysef it is just 20 minutes every 12 weeks and he has been learnt to presribe these. I sound like I am against steroids and immunosuppressants and if you'd of asked me last year then yes I would of said "of course I am" but I have slowly let go of some of my anger towards it all and have learnt that everyone is different, medication affects people in different ways and unlike me it may be the cure for some but just not for others and you know what... That is ok!
This was only meant to be a little skin update, a short blog and here I am an hour later.
Anyway, I will link the Cerave Moisturising Cream and Evening Oil of Primrose capsules that I continue to use and take in the hope these may help others too, just like I hope my blogs do, even if it's just 1 other person searching for some support and help.
CeraVe Moisturising Cream 340g | Helps to protect the skin's natural barrier | Boots
Designed to support women's health, our high strength formula is rich in omega 6 fatty acids and contains added vitamin E to support skin he
Before I Leave I cannot forget the incredible TCM accupuncture with Omie that I have been having to help support my skin, hormones, emotions and stress and I cannot recommend it enough but feel this deserves it's own blog which I will do this weekend with some supporting information from Omie (if she kindly agrees).
2022 was full of twists and turns, both good and bad, but through the tears and the laughter we made it. I entered 2022 as a Miss and am entering 2023 as a Mrs to Be! ;)
How was my skin over Christmas? Well, I've always heard others that are going or have been through steroid withdrawal say that there's such a thing as an 'anniversary flare' however I've never been one to go by myths or have had one however it was this time last year when I really started struggling to control my condition again and after having a severe water infection and an allergic reaction to the antibiotics prescribed leaving me no choice but to turn to oral steroids which led into a nasty relapse of Topical Steroid Withdrawal despite being promised by a doctor in A&E that this would not happen because "they are oral and not topical". So yes, I am experiencing an 'anniversary flare'. Luckily this has only affected my face and neck.
They have both taken a bit of a beating the past week or so and 2 days ago I woke with a lump in the front of my neck, just a little bigger than a pea size, tissue or gland feeling that does cause me a little pain.
Just before breaking up for the holidays I caught Tonsillitis and a nasty Flu Virus causing me to be given more antibiotics, then just days before Christmas my Nan was admitted into hospital very poorly alongside me having a lot of work related stress and just every day life wearing me down a little so this may be a swollen gland. Swollen lymph nodes and glands are a symptom of Topical Steroid Withdrawal and Eczema but one I've never really had so I will keep an eye on this...
What products am I using this year? I am still using and will continue to use Cerave Moisturing Cream as an all over body and face moisturiser and have found this effective in the icy cold days this winter as it has helped protect my skin barrier. My face doesn't react as well to this as my body however I am still yet to find a good and effective face cream. Any recommendations appreciated! :)
From this dried out little face, I wish you all health and happiness for 2023 xxx
Where have I been? I took a break from documenting my 2nd time of going through Steroid Withdrawal. I say 'Steroid Withdrawal' rather than 'Topical Steroid Wtihdrawal' because the relapse was due to being prescribed a course of strong steroids to get rid of a nasty water and kidney infection I had. I think because I recognised the symtoms straight away and knew what exactly what was going to happen and how my body would react I knew that i was going to have to try not to stress, rest as much as possible and just take really good care of myself, allowing those around to support me as much as possible. However I did not expect the symtoms and side effects this time around would be as painful as they were. I've always had nerve pain and "zingers" as they're known as and a little pain under the skin but this time around was unbareable. I had severe pain underneath my skin up the sides of my torso and up my back which stopped me being able to sleep and brought me to tears everytime I tried rolling over in bed or making any movement that involved twisting or turning. Enough was enough after the 4th week of this symptom so I took myself to A&E and was prescribed Tramadol for the pain because I refused any form of steroid which I knew would only make this experience worse... I won't be going into how I was treated by my Dermatologist and how despite telling him the treatment wouldn't work like it didn't before that the phototherapy prescribed just made me worse. I no longer wish to give him the limelight in these blogs and will be moving dermatologists now that I have officially moved address.
Anyway, let's move on to the good part of this blog! After a good few months off work, Cryotherapy treatment which I paid and travelled for and the support given by so many I began to pick up just in time for our holiday to Cape Verde. I was a little worried about how my skin would react in the sun and heat as in the past my skin has loved being abroad in the sun but going through withdrawal it can change the way your skin reacts to things, like recently i've developed some sort of tolerance or reaction to Marmite, something I have never had a problem with eating before. I did shed alot to begin with and be a little irritable but once I had climatised getting used to the heat and knew how much time my skin could tolerate being in the sun, the pool and when to apply sunscreen (I will share the products I used shortly) my skin picked up and I developed a lovely tan. Especially being away for 14 days rather than the usual 7 I used to go away for it was nice not to put too much pressure on myself and my skin and just focus on having fun and making memories, boy did we do both!
I really believe Cape Verde healed the steroid withdrawal this year. My skin soaked up the sun lovely, the fresh fruit I was eating every lunchtime helped me feel alot healthier and the love and care given by my man and all we experienced on what was an absolutely magical holiday just made all the stress and worry melt away which made such a difference as one of my biggest triggers that flares my skin is stress! The pain of the elephant skin/wrinkling of skin, lack of elasticity, nerve pain, redness and dryness all subsided massively and I was just eternally grateful that my skin didn't ruin our first holiday abroad as a couple and the magical moments we made.
Products I used:
Buy Soltan Family Essentials Pack with 5 Star UVA protection for the whole family. Includes face protection and aftersun. Exclusive to Boots
Soltan purchased at Boots was my go to for sun protection. Due to going for 2 weeks and having dry irritated skin I use alot of product throughout the day so it worked out cheaper to buy a family set which included a bottle of 30SPF, a face protection 30SPF, kids 50SPF, a 15SPF and a bottle of their After Sun. This saved us so much money and is so sensitive for problematic skin.
One of my most magical and favourite memories from Cape Verde was witnessing a turtle lay eggs on the beach on my birthday! It was like our own private viewing as despite paying for an excusion to see this on an evening as its rare to see them come out of the ocean and lay their eggs during the day there was nobody else on the beach but us. We spent 3 hours crawling through the sand, with the sun scortching on my back and then crawled into the sea to watch her back in and not once did my skin complain :)
Since coming home from Cape Verde and being back at work which I find can flare my skin due to their dry blowing heaters and the overall stress and axiety of my workplace it hasn't flared too bad, especially coming into the winter season which can be a big trigger. Fingers crossed my skin continues to behave, but I will make sure I do regular updates when anything changes via my instagram highlight 'Skin'. Until then... Much love xxx
You will read in my last blog that 2022 hadn't started off great for me. It began with a big winter flare up which was also affected by thee covid booster jab then this resulted into me having to be put on Prednislone steroid tablets which I was assured wouldn't cause a relapse in withdrawal... Well it did! Alongside that I came down with a water and kidney infection, having an allergic reaction to the antibitoics I was given so as you can imagine the past few months have been horrendous. I had to take weeks on end off work and everytime I tried to go back, a few days in I would be sent home again and end up off with another sick note.
Due to my Mom and her now husband getting married in February I needed my skin to pick up and be at least manageable therefore I seeked help from a private clinic, Active Clinic in Birmingham where I attended 6 sessions of Whole Body and Facial Cryotherapy. What is Cryotherapy: "Our Whole Body Cryotherapy is an extreme cold treatment which is based on temperature between -120°C and -160°C. The standard treatments period of maximum 3 minutes in duration.
The body undergoes an amazing physiological response to the extremely low temperatures in a Whole Body Cryotherapy chamber. When the brain receives signals registering the extent of the cold, it registers the impossibility of maintaining an average temperature if normal blood circulation is maintained in the outer layers of the skin. Receptors below the surface of the skin then direct the body’s nervous system to carry out a process called vasoconstriction – a narrowing of the arteries and blood vessels. The process leads to a reduction in the flow of blood to tired or damaged tissue, effectively shutting down the inflammation process and the development of swelling or bruising around an injury. As a result of this process, blood is retained in the body’s core and is flushed through the natural cycle and becomes enriched with oxygen, enzymes and nutrients as well as receiving an influx of hormones via the body’s endocrine system. At the end of the treatment, the normal body temperature will gradually be restored and as a result, normal blood flow is enhanced with the now enriched blood cells flooding the previously tired limbs."
Alongside the Whole Body Cryo I treated myself to the Facial. This I will definately be continuing with (alongside localised Cryo for the worst patches) once I have fully recovered from this relapse of Topical Steroid Withdrawal and Eczema flare up as I just found it so relaxing and great for my mental health :)
With having to research into this skin condition and basically self diagnosing myself because GPs and Dermatologists still refuse to acknowledge it, it was amazing to find the specialists at Active Skin Clinic so supportive recognising TSW and raising awareness of this on their website and social media platforms. I shall share the link below to the clinic as they not only do Cryotherapy but a range of other therapies for conditions and wellbeing. I cannot recommend these lovely people enough!
https://activeclinics.co.uk/
Before and After Photos:
February 2022 (Top) - April 2022 (Bottom)
Still a long way to go, but we are getting there...
Since having a break both physically and financially from Cryotherapy and after an appointment with my Dermatologist I am now having Phototherapy on the NHS. This consists of me going to Walsall Manor Hospital every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for a session. The session lasts anything from 10 seconds and gradually increases up to 2/3 minuites. I am currently at 33 seconds. The sessions increase as the weeks go on and I will be having the treatment for 3 months. Personally the Phototherapy is a bit of a glorified sunbed in my opinion but with the NHS funding this and it being the only treatment left on the list for me to try (having refused immunosuppressants and steroids again) I have taken up the offer and it is actually helping slightly, especially with the redness and the itch as time goes on.
I am now back at work after a sucsessful HR Meeting. It is lovely to recieve such support and help from an workplace as I have had many problems in previous jobs where I have been told "it is just eczema, bring your creams and get on with it", not actually realising that there are far more dibilitating symtoms to eczema, especially those going through Topical Steroid Withdrawal.
As mentioned in my previous blog I am extremely lucky and eternally grateful to recieve such support from those around me, which is needed a hell of a lot if you are going through this condition but mentally and physically. This relapse and this time around I have suffered alot of pain up the insides of my legs, around my stomach and up my sides and back which I can only describe as a chinese burn sensation when moving. We think this could be my skin stretching as it is healing but also some nerve pain. I have been taken off Amitryptline due to Phototherapy and am now taking Pregabelin for the nerves and anxiety which I hope helps. I have just stopped using Cetreban (blog coming soon as to why I dislike paraffin based creams) and have finally been able to use my normal moisturisers again. I am too-ing and fro-ing with a couple at the moment as I have noticed since this flare my skin has become more sensative and dislikes things I have used in the past, but once In am settled I shall do a blog on the products I am using then.
If you know of anyone suffering with a chronic illness and skin condition please send them a little love today, they may need it <3
• Let's talk skin • As many of you will know I have suffered from Eczema for the majority of my life and was prescribed a variety of topical steroids over the years to "help" the condition. Little did we know that in years to come this would result in my skin becoming damaged and me going through Topical Steroid Withdrawal, which unfortunately is not a recognised condition and my GP and Dermatologist still continue to try and palm these off on me and avoid the subject. I am 2 years and 4 months into TSW and have been immunosuppressant and medication free for the past 10 months. Unfortunately due to illness over Christmas and into January I have had a relapse and again have symptoms of TSW such as, red sleeves, being unable to regulate my body temperature, nerve pain, redness, severe dryness and tightness and wrinkling of the skin aka 'elephant skin'. This has resulted in many weeks off work and has plummeted my mental health. •What works? • @balmonds_uk have been my little saviour, sending me their amazing products to try. Cleansing Oil - I use this before washing my face which helps protect the skin barrier and makes my face/neck soft after washing Skin Salvation - is a godsend to my severe dry patches, especially my 'red sleeves' which cause my hands, wrists and forearms to be very sore, I use this overnight which really helps moisturise and nourish my skin Cooling Cream - great for the hot, raw patches that need a bit of tlc Scalp Oil - during TSW I do get Telogen Effluvium, hair loss caused by trauma, so my hairline can thin when having a bad flare up, this scalp oil really helps fight any dryness and irritation to the scalp avoiding hair thinning and loss. •Would I recommend? • ABSOLUTELY! Balmonds is not only suitable for skin conditions and the most sensitive of skins but can be used even if you have oily skin. Balmonds is free of any chemicals, preservatives and fragrances and is 100% natural. You can use my code SHELL+20 for 20% off your first purchase 💚 https://www.instagram.com/p/CbC60GfDzMtDdhPjG3UqAxawrRuIMf56hhPuOo0/?utm_medium=tumblr
First of all... HAPPY NEW YEAR! I'm not going to bore you with all the new year's resolutions and shit because whenever I do make them they either change or I just never keep them so this year I'm going for the "what will be will be" approach.
On the skin front I wished I could say 2022 has treated me well so far but unfortunately it gave me the biggest slap in the face to date. Now I know I flare up in the winter but this year has been horrendous, I'm unsure what was worse the dry heating at work, the snow, the stress over Christmas or what but whatever it was took it out on my skin big time. After a phone call with my GP (who I've not been able to even meet or see in person since joining the surgery due to covid) I was given a course of Prednisolone steroid tablets to help fight the flare. However this didn't work, weather it was because there was an infection fighting back or wether my skin reminded me that it's withdrawing steroids and refuses to tolerate anymore who knows.
It was around Boxing Day when I noticed I was needing the toilet alot more and was quite thirsty which is odd for me as I have to force myself to drink with not drinking enough. I wondered if I had a water infection coming on but knowing I'd have to wrestle to receptionist for a GP phone consultation again I thought I'd see how I'd go. Bad idea. Days later I was double up in pain and feeling rather unwell but the worst of it all was the flare up I was having. I felt bone cold but to touch was on fire, my skin was giving off so much heat that my glasses steamed up whenever I wore them, not forgetting I was a lovely shade of red head to toe again. It was the first day back to school/work since breaking up for the Christmas holidays and I gave it my best shot but unfortunately was sent home and up to urgent care. I was right, I had a not only a water infection but a kidney infection too and was given Nitrofurantoin antibiotics and the rest of the week off work to rest. I noticed the more I took the antibiotics the more the texture of my skin changed, I got hotter yet internally colder by the minute and constantly slept which caused me to sweat, drying out my skin even more, meaning more showers/baths which in the winter isn't a good idea... Back to Urgent Care I went and yet another anaphylaxis to antibiotics! I was advised to stop taking them and take piriton every 4 hours with yet another week off work...
These photos were taken 2 days after stopping the antibiotics and taking piriton. I couldn't bring myself to take any when I was at my worst bringing back memories of going through Topical Steroid Withdrawal.
But was this an "anniversary flare" or a relapse of TSW after having a course of Prednisolone? It's now been 6 months since coming off the contraceptive pill, 10 months since coming off immune suppressants and 2 years, 3 months since withdrawing from topical steroids. TSW can be a very lengthy process and can take some people, depending upon the potency and length of time they used topical steroids for, up to 5 years and more to withdraw from steroids but some I know have only taken a few years. In my last blog of 2021 I ended it with stating that I thought that we were at the end of all of that... Now I'm not so sure after all.
But to end this on a good note I would like to thank one very special person who unexpectedly entered my life, hurdled over the walls I put up and has shown me exactly how one should be looked after and loved. I couldn't have gotten through these past couple of dark weeks with my skin and how it's affected my mental health again without him and I am eternally grateful to have him by my side... Find someone who loves you and your imperfections and in the end you will begin to love them too.
P.s for those that wonder what I use on my skin to fight these dark days: CeraVe Moisturising Cream, Sea Spa Magik Silk Smooth Lotion and Nivea Aloe Vera Aftersun.
"A few face masks and pamper nights and we are doing great."
This month marks nearly 5 months of being free of immunosuppressants and also 1 year and 10 months of being steroid free and it's been an emotional ride. With my skin relying on and being controlled by something for so long, weaning off Methotrexate wasn't too bad because even though the dosage and amount decreased I knew that my skin was still getting the help it needed however once I was given the go ahead in March 2021 to discontinue Methotrexate and the 8 weeks for it to come out of my system had passed I felt like I was forever waiting for a flare and a set back. In the past few months I have only had a couple of flare ups and these have been an absolute breeze comparing to how I used to flare.
There has been a couple of changes over the past months for me, unfortunately (for him) my relationship of 5 years came to an end. Let's just say I never realised my own worth until now. Luckily after a week or so of heartbreak I picked myself up and took the plunge and discontinued taking the contraceptive pill too. I had been on the pill since the age of 17 and my body deserves that break and is thanking me for it too. I have had my first period, which wasn't bad at all, my face and neck did flare very slightly but nothing that couldn't be controlled. A few face masks and pamper nights and we are doing great.
I don't do regular updates via social media or here anymore as I am finally enjoying myself and not allowing my skin condition to control my happiness and my life... And I turn 30 on Saturday. So I guess this is the last blog in my 20s. They say life begins a 30 right? I am only moisturising with aloe vera once a day and no longer rattle with medication. There is no cure and I have always had and always will have eczema but where the steroid damage is concerned I think we are out of the woods :)
Since I last blogged I have been slowly weaning off Methotrexate (immunosuppressants) and on Wednesday 31st March 2021 I was given the go ahead from my dermatologist to try and come off them, which was my goal for my 30th birthday in August this year. After a phone consultation with my dermatologists nurse she reassured me that taking the 1 tablet of 2.5mg Methotrexate per week was probably not making much of a difference to my skin and said it was more than likely a comfort blanket so after discussing this with herself and my dermatologist as said, I am going to give it a go! I have noticed over the past 2 weeks I have been flaring a lot and more frequently however due to those 2 weeks being themed activity weeks at work/school and my class cooking a lot of cakes and chocolate (which we ate) I am putting it down to poor diet and also anxiety of no longer having to rely on the immunosuppressants and the worry of what’s to come as it leaves my system, which could take up to 6 months. I also think the change in the weather makes a big difference too and have noticed that whilst I am at work indoors that my skin does go quite red and dry which I am putting down to the dry heating maybe?
These photos were taken a few days ago during an inflamed and itchy flare up around my neck, face and arms. These seem to be the only stubborn areas that I suffer with the most and I am unsure if this is due to the rubbish eating I did or if this is the start of the Methotrexate leaving my system and what I am hoping to be the last of the Topical Steroid Withdrawal as unlike in the beginning when I was red and flaking head to toe, I only suffer redness around those stubborn areas and the dryness has subsided. Those stubborn areas are where I had severe eczema as a child so it may be that these area are the areas that will remain now that I am no longer medicating it and have withdrawn from topical steroids for 2 years this October.
To help control the flare I have been using Balmonds Skin Salvation and then on the worst and open areas where I have scratched and broken the skin I have been applying a small amount of Savlon or Germolene to prevent any infection and to help stop the itching. As mentioned in a previous blog you can use my discount code SHELL+20 to get 20% your first order at https://balmonds.co.uk
Just like Balmonds Natural Skincare I am now an affiliate/ambassador for Olsson Haircare, “Designed with sensitive types in mind, our salon performance sensitive haircare collection is particularly suitable for asthma and allergy sufferers. Perfect if you find beauty products tend to make you itch, cause redness or trigger allergic reactions. Recommended by Allergy UK - "Unlikely to Cause a Reaction". Olsson do a variety of products such as Shampoo, Conditioner, Leave in Conditioner Spray, Mousse and Hairspray which is currently their best seller. With the products containing 0% fragrances and colourants and being good for coloured hair too I just had to try it out. Their shampoo and conditioner not only moisturises my scalp but leaves my hair feeling soft and shiny. If you suffer with a problematic scalp then give Olsson a go and use my discount code SHELLEY10 at https://olssonhaircare.com/?acc=10c272d06794d3e5785d5e7c5356e9ff for 10% off your purchases :) You can also go to my Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/shelley91sumner/ for my reviews and highlights on both brands and for regular skin updates.
I will be updating you on how my skin is doing as the weeks and months go by without Methotrexate (if there are any major changes). I am still taking Fexofenodine antihistamines for hayfever, allergies and the itching and also Amitriptyline for my anxiety and sleep, however I am happy to stay on these for the foreseeable to help control my eczema as this is a condition I have had for the majority of my life that unfortunately cannot be cured but can be controlled.
I’d love to know your opinion on medicating skin conditions. Like topical steroids do you think medicating a skin condition like eczema helps or do you think the side effects worsen or are worse than the condition itself?
Well, what a year 2020 was, a complete write off. We lost loved ones to this horrible virus, we were unable to see and hold our friends and family, our plans ruined, we were forced to stay indoors, some of us lost our jobs and our economy has taken a beating whilst wearing a face mask when going shopping has become the norm, Christmas was near enough cancelled and now 2021 has started with another lockdown...
However, on the skin front we are doing quite well. I've had alot of dryness on my face and neck but during the winter season it's always expected, but the past few weeks have been really good. With the next 2 weeks off my new job I have decided to use that time to test decreasing my dosage of Methotrexate yet again down from 5mg (2 tablets) to 2.5mg (1 tablet) per week. I've been saying for a while that I'm going to start to wean off immunosuppressants but whenever I've decreased the dosage I've had a flare up that's completely knocked my confidence forcing me to increase again but this time I feel alot healthier within myself, feeling stronger and more confident to be able to fight any pending flares and wean off the low dose.
During the past year and during the pandemic I have been using Balmonds Skin Salvation and have found their products really soothing for my wintery dry skin. I contacted Balmonds and was accepted onto their ambassador programme. This means I get a discount code for first time customers to get 20% off their purchases and get to review their new products and help promote the brand. Balmonds are an effective natural skincare brand for skin conditions, here is their website and my discount code for anyone interested: https://balmonds.co.uk/ use 'SHELL+20' to get 20% off your first purchase!
Balmonds natural skincare creams and salves, also suitable for eczema, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and allergy rash.
Every year I make new years resolutions which I never keep. This year with the pandemic still lurking I've decided not to put myself under anymore pressure and just aim to achieve my goals when I can. If this pandemic has taught me anything it has taught me that life is too precious, not to take anything for granted, to take a day at a time and that anything could be around the corner, therefore it's time I gave myself a break and focussed on one goal at a time, restrictions permitted :) what are your goals for 2021?
I am sending love to all those that have lost loved ones to this horrendous virus and would like you all to know that my social media profiles (Shelley Marie Sumner) are all open for you to message me whenever you want or need to. Everybody's mental health has taken an awful beating the past year and we need to make sure we check our loved ones are ok and be an ear for anyone that needs it.
From experiences with my eczema and topical steroid withdrawal I have found that alot of my flare ups are due to suffering with anxiety and depression. From having connections with others with skin conditions I have found that this is the same for them too. Looking in the mirror and seeing your skin damaged, red, dry and irritated is bad enough but having the added pain is soul destroying. Not being able to wear nice clothes or wear make-up because you find it too uncomfortable makes you feel less of a woman and having the added pressure from social media is hard.
The photo above was taken a couple of weeks ago when I was suffering with my anxiety and depression. I was 4 months into a new job which I wasn’t settling into or enjoying and had experienced a few problems which really battered what little confidence and strength I had left and on top of this was worrying and stressing over constant changing of restrictions during the current pandemic we are going through. I have always been a big believer that you should choose health and happiness over any amount of money and after careful consideration made the decision to hand in my notice and resign from my early years practitioner role. I am very lucky to have such amazing support from my family to be able to do so and am taking this time out of work to pick myself back up, allowing my skin to recover and repair and am really putting my all into choosing the right career path for me and preparing for some interviews I have coming up. I do not regret the decisions I've made during the past 4 months and in fact do feel that it has given me more strength and determination than I had before.
I have made a promise to myself that I will spend less time torturing myself on social media, I will stop comparing my journey to others and will focus on the positives.
I would like to dedicate this blog to Mental Health Awareness and would like to remind people that this is a safe space for others like myself to open up about their experiences and talk to me if they would like to. My social media inboxes(Tumblr, Facebook and Instagram) are always open and I will do anything I can to help.
Links I’ve found useful:
https://www.mind.org.uk/
https://giveusashout.org/
In the meantime never apologise for being YOU. Do what is right for YOU. Be YOU.
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