A nurse experienced a debilitating skin condition after years of using topical steroid creams to manage her eczema, only to discover she was suffering from topical steroid withdrawal (TSW). The condition, characterized by severe inflammation and pain, went unrecognized by medical professionals for months.
Amy Newsham, a nurse from Merseyside, UK, used steroid creams for eczema for many years, viewing them as a way to control flare-ups without fully understanding the potential long-term issues. However, when she stopped using the creams, her symptoms intensified significantly, leading to what she described as a "living nightmare" for nine months.
During this period, simple actions like showering, dressing, or changes in temperature would cause severe irritation. Newsham realized she was experiencing TSW, a condition where the skin becomes dependent on topical corticosteroids and reacts severely when deprived of them. This condition remains poorly understood within conventional medicine, despite calls for better patient education and clearer labeling on steroid creams.
When Newsham sought help from her general practitioner, her severe symptoms were repeatedly dismissed as exacerbated eczema. Even after a visit to A&E due to an infected wound from scratching, a nurse advised her not to overthink her condition. A private consultation with a dermatologist also failed to identify TSW.
"I was at a loss. I was deeply frustrated and felt isolated," Newsham stated. "Having lived with eczema for years, I knew my own skin, and what I was experiencing after steroid creams felt entirely different."
The nine months of TSW severely impacted her life, causing constant physical discomfort, emotional fatigue, and unpredictability. Her skin condition fluctuated, and she found herself concealing her raw, weeping face and neck. The ordeal led her to withdraw from social activities and work events, as explaining her condition and feeling like the center of attention became exhausting.
"It affected my whole life – my mood, confidence and social life," she said. "I began avoiding going out with friends because I didn’t want my skin to become the focus of conversation."
The emotional strain extended to her family life, particularly when her young son would appear frightened by her visible skin issues. Despite these challenges, Newsham continued her work and managed her businesses.
Initially, Newsham tried numerous products in an attempt to find a quick fix, but realized that introducing new active ingredients further compromised her skin barrier. She simplified her routine to focus on protecting and supporting her skin. She also began using a medical red and near-infrared light device, which helped soothe her skin, reduce inflammation, and provide comfort without requiring topical products.
This experience led Newsham to co-create a red light therapy system called CHROMA with her cousin and aunt. While acknowledging the clinical utility of topical steroids when used appropriately, she now advocates for better guidance and patient education regarding their long-term use.
Her ordeal has reshaped her professional approach, shifting her focus toward non-invasive technologies and skin barrier support. Reflecting on the experience, Newsham emphasizes the importance of patience with one's body, the non-linear nature of skin health, and the acceptance that "my skin does not define who I am."