Navigating Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) : A Personal Journey

• Back in December 2023, I had my relapse of childhood eczema. My skin was inflamed, itchy, and uncomfortable.

  

  
  

• In April 2024, I started using topical steroids as advised by the dermatologists at the National Skin Centre in Singapore. In their opinion, my eczema was not “severe” enough to be deemed for a food allergen blood test to be done on request 😢

• I was not aware of the withdrawal effects from topical steroids, only to use it for a few days, and see my eczema reappear once I stopped. The worsening inflammation on my skin and sleep disturbances made me desperate for a solution.

• I fell into the medication route in August 2024. I seeked a private dermatologist for help and got prescribed immunosuppressants (Duximune). A week of clear skin soon turned into my worst nightmare. Once lowering the dose due to bad side effects, my inflamed skin came back vengeance 😱

  
  

  

• I found myself on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and physical challenges that I never anticipated. Till today, I am still on my healing journey from eczema and TSW.

• This blog post is my personal journey through topical steroid withdrawal, a process that has taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of self-care 🦋

Understanding Topical Steroid Withdrawal

TSW, commonly known as red skin syndrome, occurs when someone stops using topical steroids usually after prolonged use. While these medications can provide quick relief for skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, they can also lead to dependency. When you stop using them, your skin may react negatively, leading to symptoms that can be worse than the original condition.

The Symptoms of TSW

The symptoms of TSW can vary widely from person to person. Some common symptoms include:

• Intense itching, sometimes deep-bone itch

• Redness and inflammation

• Peeling or flaking skin

• Oozing or crusting

• Burning sensations

• Thermal dysregulation

• Insomnia

• Hair loss

• Wrinkling thin skin

  
  

These symptoms can be overwhelming and can last for weeks or even months. Understanding what to expect can help you prepare for the journey ahead.

My Initial Experience with Topical Steroids

I started using topical steroids after a dermatologist prescribed them for my eczema. My skin cleared up for 1-3 days before regressing back to redness and itching. I was experiencing worsening sleep disturbances from the itch at night. This was the start of my withdrawal from topical steroids, which I was unaware of.

The Turning Point

The turning point came when I decided to stop using topical steroids altogether in April 2025. Since I started taking oral steroids in January 2025, I read about TSW and was terrified of what might be happening to my body both inside out. In fear of acceptance, I lived in denial, suffering from TSW for the past 8 months before coming to terms with it in June 2025. How I accepted my fate? My body was constantly dry even though I was moisturising myself diligently day and night. I was very tired of the cycle of dependency on moisturizer. I wanted to reclaim my skin and my life 🙏🏻

The Withdrawal Process

The withdrawal process was not easy. The first few weeks were the hardest. My skin became dry and inflamed, and the itching was unbearable. I felt like I was in a constant battle with my own body.

Coping Strategies

During this challenging time, I discovered several coping strategies that helped me manage my symptoms:

1. Tapping: I switched from scratching to tapping in attempts to break the itch-scratch cycle.

   
   

2. Strict Clean Diet: I avoided the common eczema related food allergens (eggs, dairy, processed sugar, gluten, citrus fruits, nightshade vegetables) for 40days.

   
   

3. Quality sleep: I slept and rested whenever I can, to help me manage my stress levels, which can exacerbate skin issues.

   
   

4. Cold Compresses: Applying cold compresses helped soothe the itching sensation temporarily and reduce inflammation.

   
   

   

   
   

The Emotional Toll

The emotional toll of TSW was just as significant as the physical symptoms. I felt isolated and frustrated. It was hard to explain to friends and family what I was going through. Many people simply did not understand the severity of my situation 💔

Finding Support (Tiktok/ Facebook)

I found solace in online support groups where others shared their experiences with TSW. Hearing their stories made me feel less alone. I learned that I was not the only one facing this battle.

The Road to Recovery

As the weeks turned into months, I began to notice improvements. My skin started to heal, and the intense itching gradually subsided. I learned to appreciate the small victories, like a day without itching or a week without a flare-up 🤳

Celebrating Progress

Celebrating progress, no matter how small, became an essential part of my recovery. I kept a journal to track my symptoms through photos (download timestamp to keep the dates on each photo/ video) and celebrate the good days. This practice helped me stay positive and motivated 😎

Sharing My Story

Now that I am on the other side of TSW, I feel compelled to share my story. I want others to know that they are not alone in this journey. It is essential to raise awareness about the potential risks of topical steroids and the reality of withdrawal.

Encouraging Others

If you or someone you know is considering stopping topical steroids, I encourage you to seek support. Whether it is from friends, family, or online communities, having a support system can make a significant difference. You’re not alone in this journey of recovery ✌🏻

A Message of Hope

To anyone currently navigating topical steroid withdrawal, I want to leave you with a message of hope. Healing is possible, and you are stronger than you think. Take it one day at a time, and remember that you are not alone.

In closing, my journey through topical steroid withdrawal has been challenging, but it has also been transformative. I have learned to embrace my skin, imperfections and all. I hope that by sharing my experience, I can inspire others to take control of their skin health and find their path to healing. Remember, every step you take is a step toward recovery 💛