SIDE NOTE; TSW is also called Red Skin Sydrome (RSS), steroid addiction (TSA).
Every time I see Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) being discussed I am overcome with excitement which quickly turns to anger and sadness. Awareness on such a large scale is amazing BUT with no real action or change by places of power, it again leaves me feeling gutted.
There’s growing global awareness about the side effects of topical steroids, shared online, in the news and even warnings in pamphlets accompanying prescriptions.
Yet no real action or change. There needs to be action by the Government to address this issue, silence and lack of action are only contributing to widespread misinformation, online hysteria, and increased worry among those prescribed them.
Research on TSW is crucial to aid current sufferers and help prevent future cases. It’s time for tangible support and proactive research to alleviate TSW suffering and prevent future cases.
WHAT CAN YOU DO to support TSW Warriors and people with skin conditions?
✍🏻 SIGN & SHARE; Review prescribing of topical corticosteroids. ➡️ https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/657655#:~:text=Petition%20Review%20prescribing%20of%20topical%20corticosteroids&text=There%20are%20concerns%20about%20the,and%20are%20causing%20preventable%20suffering.
✉️ SUBMIT a letter or comments voicing your support to ICD-10-CM code review (helps you get TSW diagnosis and be HEARD) – they’ve got a one month window open for public comments: until 20th April. All you need to do is fill in a few places of the letter with your thoughts and email it to: nchsicd10cm@cdc.gov READ MORE ➡️ https://www.itsan.org/advocate/
🟨 YELLOW CARD – For UK based TSW sufferers: report your suspected reactions to topical steroids via MHRA’s ‘Yellow Card Scheme’. ➡️ https://scratchthat.org.uk/yellow-card-scheme/
❤️🩹 SIGNPOST sufferers to places like @itsan.nonprofit, https://www.itsan.org/ the global community living with Eczema and Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome or even mental health support like @ChangingFacesUK FREE, visual difference (like eczema / tsw/psoriasis) confidential, one-to-one social, emotional and psychological counseling and support sessions to people of all ages in the UK with a condition, mark or scar that affects their appearance (a visible difference). ➡️ https://www.changingfaces.org.uk/services-support/counselling-support/#make-an-enquiry
I am currently in process of actioning a GOV petition as soon as its live, I’ll need all your help and signatures to help make a DIFFERENCE.
Wanting to stop using your steroids?
PLEASE DO NOT GO COLD TURKEY.
Wean off, there is a lot of research that suddenly stopping causes the body into this shock of TSW. Have a chat with your doctor or derm about weaning, this blog is also very informative ➡️ https://www.eczemalife.com/blogs/tsw/how-to-withdrawal-from-topical-steroids?fbclid=PAAaYBBw3-zfHhPSLIBYcSN74WC0KkpK7HIJ7L5XXIk9YJvvD2NW0wGEX3U3c_aem_AfDj8hrTgsFZ9fP1OzBcBu24acPkOREj238-U5TVR9fXeUH6C5rLl5PkUJRQFA4XYcM
Do you have TSW? Although symptoms can vary from person to person, the most common symptoms are redness, burning, and stinging of the skin. These symptoms can start while you’re still using topical steroids, or they may appear days or weeks after you stop taking them.
Itch N Bitch 