Absolutely crazy. Thank you all so much!
On to the half million.....
This blog follows my journey as I quit topical steroids for my eczema. I will chart my observations during the weeks that follow. The blog is not intended to give medical advice. If you are concerned about a medical condition you should consult a doctor for advice.
Monday, 16 June 2014
Monday, 2 June 2014
Look at my Amazing HEALED SKIN photos!
OK people...this is the moment you have been waiting for...the big reveal!
After 30 months off topical steroids I can finally reveal my new, lovely skin.
I hope these pictures give hope to everyone out there going through TSW.
The photos are in pairs: The one at the top shows what my skin was like before and the one underneath shows what it is like today.
I know that people worry that certain things may delay their healing, or stop them healing altogether and I'd like to take this opportunity to bust some myths:
Myth 1: Moisturisers Stop You Healing
I have found this to be a myth. I have used moisturisers throughout my TSW and found them incredibly useful. People have issues when they have reactions to ingredients in certain moisturisers and may wish to stop for that reason, but those who DO moisturise shouldn't feel guilty about it or worry that they won't heal.
I have seen people write on blogs that you will not heal if you use moisturiser. Well I am healed and I know lots of others that have too. The choice to moisturise or not is a personal one and one group should not slate another for their personal choice.
Myth 2: You Won't Heal if you Eat Junk
Again, this is another guilt thing. We all KNOW that healthy food=healthy bodies but I have seen people put themselves through some weird elimination diets during TSW, most of which are probably unnecessary unless genuine allergies are suspected.
I haven't denied myself anything during TSW. I have had alcohol in moderation, tea, coffee, chocolate, sugary food, tomatoes and spicy food. And I still healed.
Eating junk IS bad for you, but it is unlikely to affect your TSW unless you have an actual allergy to a certain food.
Myth 3: You Won't Heal if you Use a Steroid Inhaler
I consider this a PARTIAL myth. I used a steroid inhaler throughout my TSW as I couldn't breathe without it and I still healed.
HOWEVER: Some individuals, particularly children may have addiction symptoms from steroid inhalers. One parent on the Itsan forum pointed out that her child has TSW because she used, not topical steroids, but inhaled steroids and is going through the same symptoms as TSW.
So I offer a word of caution with this myth. Yes, I healed despite using a steroid inhaler, but there are some susceptible individuals who may react badly to steroid inhalers. It would be a good idea to discuss alternatives with a doctor, but if steroids are the only option, try the lowest dose you can manage and always rinse with water after inhaling.
I hope my pictures have given some encouragement. And when we say on ITSAN that "You Will Heal", it is true!
After 30 months off topical steroids I can finally reveal my new, lovely skin.
I hope these pictures give hope to everyone out there going through TSW.
The photos are in pairs: The one at the top shows what my skin was like before and the one underneath shows what it is like today.
TSW BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS
Leg before and after.
Hand Before and After
Arm before and after
Neck Before and After
Face Before and After
I'm Now White-Not Red!
Not long ago, I predicted that my skin would heal in the summer and it has. The sunshine has done me good. It seems appropriate to be posting these photos just as summer starts.
Myth 1: Moisturisers Stop You Healing
I have found this to be a myth. I have used moisturisers throughout my TSW and found them incredibly useful. People have issues when they have reactions to ingredients in certain moisturisers and may wish to stop for that reason, but those who DO moisturise shouldn't feel guilty about it or worry that they won't heal.
I have seen people write on blogs that you will not heal if you use moisturiser. Well I am healed and I know lots of others that have too. The choice to moisturise or not is a personal one and one group should not slate another for their personal choice.
Myth 2: You Won't Heal if you Eat Junk
Again, this is another guilt thing. We all KNOW that healthy food=healthy bodies but I have seen people put themselves through some weird elimination diets during TSW, most of which are probably unnecessary unless genuine allergies are suspected.
I haven't denied myself anything during TSW. I have had alcohol in moderation, tea, coffee, chocolate, sugary food, tomatoes and spicy food. And I still healed.
Eating junk IS bad for you, but it is unlikely to affect your TSW unless you have an actual allergy to a certain food.
Myth 3: You Won't Heal if you Use a Steroid Inhaler
I consider this a PARTIAL myth. I used a steroid inhaler throughout my TSW as I couldn't breathe without it and I still healed.
HOWEVER: Some individuals, particularly children may have addiction symptoms from steroid inhalers. One parent on the Itsan forum pointed out that her child has TSW because she used, not topical steroids, but inhaled steroids and is going through the same symptoms as TSW.
So I offer a word of caution with this myth. Yes, I healed despite using a steroid inhaler, but there are some susceptible individuals who may react badly to steroid inhalers. It would be a good idea to discuss alternatives with a doctor, but if steroids are the only option, try the lowest dose you can manage and always rinse with water after inhaling.
I hope my pictures have given some encouragement. And when we say on ITSAN that "You Will Heal", it is true!
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