Eczema Free Forever™ Eczema Free Forever™

51 months TSW and a Belated Happy New Year!

During the horrific early months and years of TSW, the nights were so dark,  long, and lonely, and the days–though welcomed because of the light–were just as draining and frustrating, with no end in sight. Now here we are, four years later, and I’m amazed how fast the time has flown by!  Brian started TSW as a 10 year-old fifth grader, and he’s now a 14-year-old 9th grader.

                September 2013 just before TSW^          ^September 2017 51 months TSW

How’s he doing? Well, the cold, dry winter atmosphere has resulted in the usual dry skin; the added experience of being a freshman has contributed to increased stress scratching; and cat dander still results in itching, red patches, and allergy symptoms (benadryl to the rescue!). However, the last few TSW signs/symptoms I’ve been monitoring–red sleeves, oozing, elephant skin, profuse skin shedding–have not recurred this time. Now, of course he gets the skin flakes from the dry skin, but it doesn’t result in tablespoons of skin on the sheets in the morning. In fact, my arms are getting flabby because I’m no longer changing and shaking out sheets every day. I’ll exchange flab for TSW any day!

I posted the most recent progress photos in Pictures. Certainly, the skin is NOT perfect, nor will it probably ever be because dysfunctional skin is in his genes, thanks to me and my hubby. He also probably still has atopic dermatitis–which he chooses to manage without steroids and by not worrying about it. However, he is healthy and active and living life. What more can we ask for our child? 🙂

If you are just starting on this TSW journey, you are not alone. It’s a long, painful, difficult rollercoaster process, but for the health and welfare of your child and/or yourself, withdrawing ineffective topical steroids is essential for the body to heal. In addition, appropriate skin/wound care, nutritional, medical, and psychosocial support are needed to address the signs, symptoms, and sequelae of TSW. Find a knowledgeable or at least open-minded doctor who can support you during this process and communicate with others who understand what you’re going through.

You DO have hope for healing!

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

Beyond the Itch

Giveaway Winner / 17 Months TSW

I didn’t even realise it until just now looking at the date but today marks my 17th month without using topical steroids. Hurrah!

I am currently on yet another course of antibiotics for yet ANOTHER bacterial skin infection I’ve picked up but hey hum. I’m going to try to load myself with probiotics this time as well.

This was yesterday morning but it did proceed to worsen as the day went on. Mmm yellow crusts!

Not the most flattering picture but this is from just now. Scabby face.

So in other news – the winner of the giveaway was Tiffany! Well done you!

For those who were keen on getting a pair of the pyjamas for yourself you are in luck because Gail has been sweet enough to offer readers of my blog a special discount of 20% off! All you need to do is enter “JENNY” in the discount voucher box and you will get 20% off the price of each pair of pyjamas that you buy. This is valid until 20th November! Find them here: Find the eczema, allergy and topical steroid withdrawal friendly pyjamas here.

I can’t stress how brilliant the quality of these pyjamas are nor, how much they have helped my skin through topical steroid withdrawal because of their built in hand folds and feet to stop you from scratching.

I Have Eczema

39 months TSW and Happy New Year!

Darth Brian ready to take on the big hill! 1st snow 1/2/2017

1/8/17               Darth Brian ready to take on the big hill!   (wearing sunglasses and breathe-easy ski mask)       1st snow of 2017 

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

The start of 2017 finds us in a much better place than this time last year, when Brian was recovering from eczema herpeticum and a TSW flare (see post), and in a much, much better place since he started TSW at the age of 10.

January 6, 2017 marked the 1189th day–3 years and 3 months–since we stopped using topical steroids on Brian for eczema because they had ceased to keep the eczema under control. (Read About it). Despite the long, exceedingly difficult journey and cruel rollercoaster nature of Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW), it was the right choice for Brian’s skin and health.

Today, he’s a healthy, thriving 8th grader, and his skin is stronger and in better condition than it was when he was using topical steroids. NOT perfect, but better. After changing and shaking sheets daily for over 2 1/2 years, I enjoyed a 3-month break from this ritual (Aug.-Nov. 2016) when shedding was imperceptible, almost normal. Eczema scratching comes and goes but is no longer debilitating (Log 1/8/17 update). He can sleep at night and wake up for school in the morning with minimal scratching. No more hollering for an ice pack in the middle of the night, though he does ask me to scratch his back for old time’s sake. With the late Fall and Winter weather, I’ve noticed increased dryness and some mild flaking that didn’t start until mid-December. Elephant skin, ooze, and red sleeves have not reared their ugly heads, but there are a few cold months left, and these signs of residual TSW may yet resurface and disrupt our lives once again.

Of course, nothing–especially skin–is perfect, and acceptance of whatever state we’re in brings a sense of peace, but we praise God that our lives no longer revolve 100% around his skin. Right now, we are comfortably managing eczema and are thankful for how far Brian’s come. TSW has shown us we can handle and get through whatever comes our way. And so can you. We are never alone. Stay strong; have hope; keep the faith!

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”  Isaiah 43:2-3

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SKIN/SCRATCH MANAGEMENT at 39 months TSW (links to management for 5, 10, and 18.5 months TSW also follow)

8th grade Cross Country 10/26/2016

Warmer days……8th grade Cross Country 10/26/2016

Brian’s current Skin/Scratch regimen is similar to that posted 9/16/2016, with changes reflecting whatever his skin requires at the particular time. Goals remain the same, but interventions may change as weather and skin needs change. The following regimen works for Brian. However, people in various stages of TSW may require different treatments, and it is important to test or know what you may or may not react to. Every person is different; you need to find what works best for you.

Goals:

  • To keep the skin clean, hydrated, and infection-free
  • To utilize effective itch/scratch management to prevent breaks in the skin (to prevent infection)
  • To support the body/skin health and healing by taking needed vitamins/supplements, monitoring sugar and dairy intake, and getting proper nutrition/hydration, exercise, and sleep, and utilizing stress management and deep breathing techniques

Treatment/Skin Care Routine: At least once daily shower, followed by application of organic coconut oil (face, extremities, trunk). Hot summer months require a “lighter” moisturizer or no moisturizer at all. During winter, can use thicker aquaphor or petroleum jelly for nose, cheeks, ears, and parts exposed to cold.

Sunscreen: Organic, virgin coconut oil

Infection control measures:

  • Take apple cider vinegar (ACV) bath (10 minute soak) or 20 minutes in microsilk tub bath 1-3 times per week, followed by shower/rinse off, and moisturize with coconut oil or nothing. More frequently if flaring.
  • Spray sovereign silver, as needed, on any open areas or broken skin.
  • If these conservative measures fail, and skin/itch don’t improve, consult health care provider.
  • Change sheets daily.

Vitamins/Supplements/Diet: Vitamin D3, Omega 3 fish oil capsules, recommended by pediatrician;  pantothenic acid, DAO histaminase, B complex, culturelle probiotic–supplements prescribed by naturopath to address methylation issues (difficulty processing histamines and sensitivity to eggs, dairy, and fruit-sugar combos) and provide gut support; try to monitor dairy, egg, and processed sugar intake 

Itch/scratch management: Generally 0/5 to 2-/5 scratching. Some short episodes of   3-/5 with fatigue or stress or who knows what. (See log for scratch scale.) Cut and file fingernails short. Deep breathing/relaxation techniques, acupressure points, ice packs, distraction. He will use benadryl liquid as needed but hasn’t used it in months.

If needed for >3/5 scratching: Dr. Wang’s purple eczema ointment, The Home Apothecary’s lemongrass balm, moisturizer (e.g., coconut oil), or sovereign silver gel/spray

Remaining TSW symptoms: (compare to March 2, 2014 at five months TSW and 28 months TSW. )

  • Shedding—As in past 2 years, progressive decrease in visible, measurable shedding from end of June to Aug. This year it was June to barely perceptible in Nov. 2016. Restarted slightly measurable shedding (<1/16 teaspoon) around mid-December, from increased skin dryness. (Is this still TSW or “just” eczema? I’m leaning toward eczema))
  • Elephant skin—Not evident since this time last year January 2016
  • Red sleeves, edema—None noted in upper or lower extremities since January/February 2016 (feet) 
  • Ooze smell—None since June 2016

Skin quality:

–Back is soft, smooth but has intermittent eruptions of erythematous papules scattered on posterior scapulae and low back–haven’t pinpointed the trigger

–Shoulders, elbows, knees textured with scattered hypo-pigmentation from scratching on tan skin. Dry but no obvious flaking. Sometimes erythema with neck scratching

–Still with periodic small breaks in skin on shoulders, elbows, hands, or knees from scratching/picking; skin fluctuates from soft and smooth to pebble grain

–Able to play in the sun, heat, and snow without itchfests

Function: Sleeping through the night (roughly 10:30p-7am) and staying an active 8th grader.

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Click these links to see Brian’s treatment/regimens at 5 months10 months and 18.5 months TSW


Beyond the Itch

23.5 Months Steroid Withdrawal Ramble

Hey guys, never fear – I’m still alive!

I’m nearing the 2 year mark! Things still aren’t going brilliantly, I’m still having flares and such and still taking Ciclosporin but overall I don’t have too much to complain about as I’ve been able to go to work and live life a bit. I believe it has been nearly 2 months since my last infection so that’s pretty great going for me.

I have a dermatology appointment at the end of the month in which I was going to inquire about the Dupilumab trials/ other biologic treatment, but I’m still unsure as of what to do. I do however feel I need intervention in order to carry on with my job and such. My goal this year is to be working a different job with full time hours. I’m fed up of being ill and I want to get on with my life’s ambitions, of which have had to be put on hold because of being poorly. Saying this, I’m not sure what my career goals are. I’ve been aiming towards working in an office environment as I think that will be better for my health, but all in all I’m at a loss as to what I want to actually do. I’d love to get into copy writing or some such but not too sure what the preferred route is into such an occupation.

My diet could be cleaner, as I say every time I write a post. I do my best to eat well and reduce my dairy intake, however in the last few months I’ve put on a little bit of weight which I must do my best to shift. Exercising vigorously has still been somewhat of an issue though when I have endured flares so I just do what I can… which admittedly isn’t a lot.

At the moment my face is doing alright, though it was far better yesterday. My arms and chest need a little bit of work and the backs of my knees have signs of irritation but overall I seem to be doing alright. I’ve been mostly pale this week which is good news.

Also my little space on the internet is about to hit a quarter of a million views. That is quite frankly, insane! Thanks to everyone who visits and I’m so happy from reading your comments and emails that I have been able to help so many of you to know that you’re not alone, and to even show people that they may not just have ‘eczema’ any more, you may be suffering from red skin syndrome/ topical steroid addiction. But I will apologise for being distant. I think I’m just going through a bit of a blogging rut, which many people do, but it has been nice to take time out and reflect.

I hope everyone is doing well!
I Have Eczema

Eczema Herpeticum and 27.5 months TSW

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Don’t let TSW keep you down!  1/24/16

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1st snow of 2016 (1/23/16)

IMG_2157A belated Happy New Year! As I write this post on a snowy day, 27.5 months into Brian’s Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) journey, I can’t help but give thanks and praise to God again for finding the International Topical Steroid Awareness Network (ITSAN) in the Fall of 2013 and for the many friends I’ve made in the TSW Facebook support groups. The support and exchange of information with TSW warriors and parents of other child TSW warriors like Brian have encouraged me to keep fighting for:

1) Recognition in the research and medical community of Red Skin Syndrome/Topical Steroid Addiction (RSS/TSA) and TSW in children;

2) Appropriate labeling of products containing topical steroids (TS); and

3) A change in the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) atopic dermatitis treatment guidelines that facilitates the prevention, early detection, and treatment of RSS/TSA and TSW in children and adults with eczema.

We’ve got a busy year ahead! 

Today is Brian’s 842nd day free of topical steroids (TS) for eczema. Overall, he is functioning very well, participating in extracurricular activities and school like any other 7th grader. His skin is still healing, but the skin and itch continue to be a seasonal challenge. “You need to follow summer,” says his pediatrician, who has been supportive in this process. So true. Brian’s skin is almost normal in the summer months as seen in these pictures from 2014 and 2015. Florida or the Bahamas may be in our future….

As you may know, the fall and winter months are particularly hard on the skin, especially eczematous skin. There is an increase in dryness and itching, and distinguishing between “true eczema” and “residual TSW” at this later stage is tricky. However, I believe he’s still got a bit of both. The underlying eczema seems to be reemerging (dry skin, itching), especially with the below freezing weather we’ve been having lately, but along with it continue signs and symptoms characteristic of TSW: Full-body shedding, red sleeves, elephant skin, “ooze” smell during night sweats. Pictures are below. (See FAQs for a full list of TSW symptoms.) This was particularly evident during Brian’s first experience with eczema herpeticum right after Christmas.

SKIN INFECTIONS  Thanks to the discussions about eczema herpeticum (EH) in the Topical Steroid-Red Skin Syndrome Support Group and with other moms on Facebook, I was able to suspect it as soon as Brian showed me those tell-tale vesicles and get him to his pediatrician right away. EH is a serious skin infection that can be life-threatening if not treated. Thankfully, his pediatrician was knowledgeable about it and prescribed timely treatment. He also said there was likely a secondary staph infection. Brian has not had a skin infection that required medication in quite a while, and this time he got a double whammy! Rx: antiviral +antibiotic+good skin/wound care.

Details and treatment are found in the LOG under Day 841, but the progression photos are below. It’s incredible how quickly the acyclovir cleared up the vesicles and pustules–gross! I know, I know!–and the scratching was noticeably decreased. I’ve always liked Brian’s getting a fever because he is never uncomfortable, and he stops scratching. He did develop a slight fever  (<24 hrs) which gave his skin a little respite from the scratching, but we knew his fever was breaking when he started scratching again, though much less than before treatment.

CLICK on any picture to enlarge.

12-26-15  11:32pm First signs something wasn't right (after shower and moisturizer) 12-26-15  11:32pm 12-27-15  10:18 am  Called the doctor who said to come in first thing in the morning, but go to ER if he gets worse or develops a high fever. 12-27-15  10:19am 100.5 fever; <2/5 scratching 12-28-15  9:01 am  Right before going to pediatrician. No shower or moisturizers applied. 12-29-15  4:51 pm  Fever gone; started Acyclovir and cephalexin around 1pm  on 12-28-15 1/4/16  3:36 pm IMG_2079 1-4-16   3:37 pm 1-7-16   10:02 pm after shower and moisturizer 1-18-16   10:37 am  after shower and moisturizer

 

12/28/15  Anterior neck before going to doctor; no shower or moisturizer 12/29/15  4:54pm  after starting acyclovir and cephalexin around 1pm 12/28/15 1/6/16  10:16 pm

 

IMG_2075 IMG_2081 IMG_2093 1/7/16  10:04 pm IMG_2133

 

1/28/15  9:02 am  Back and neck prior to going to doctor 12/28/15 9:03am  Chest and neck before going to doctor 1/18/16  10:37am  Back and neck 1/18/16  10:39am   Chest after coconut oil application; sleeves on to protect skin on elbows

 

12/28/15  9:02 am  Pustules on knees 12/29/15  5:34pm  started  antiviral and antibiotic 12/28 1/3/16   11:19 am just water on skin 12/28/15  Pustules from eczema herpeticum 12/29/15 1/3/16  11:19am

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SIGNS and SYMPTOMS that suggest TSW continues

1) Elephant skin

TSW symptoms Pustules are gone but the elephant skin of TSW is back

2) Red sleeves, edema, and blanchable erythema

1/11/16  8:46pm  demarcation between erythematous top of feet and white soles; "red sleeves" 1/13/16  faint red sleeves at the wrist 1/11/16 7:33 am   Slightly edematous thigh, elephant skin, and blanchable erythema in hands and lower extremities 1/18/16  10:22  Hands and wrists red, slightly edematous, itchy 1/6/16 10:15 pm  Wet wrapping the hands and wrists with water before bed to try to keep skin hydrated; blanchable erythema

3) Full body dryness, flaking, and measurable shedding of skin. (See shedding pictures in a past post.)

What’s horrific but fascinating about TSW is the marked and frequent changes in skin quality and appearance. Brian’s skin texture on his back and extremities has fluctuated between pebble grain, coarse sand paper, plasticky dry, and fine sandpaper. Just the other day, his entire back felt as soft and smooth as a baby’s bottom for two days. Now, it’s back to a pebble grain, sandy texture again. This is why we need doctors to study RSS/TSA and TSW. WE see all this rapid skin cycling 24/7, 365, but they can’t see the full sequelae in a brief clinic visit. Current pictures of his feet show a disappearance of the red sleeves, for now.

1/3/16 1/3/16 1/11/16 red sleeves 1/21/16 1/21/16 1/21/16  7:25am

Even though he’s over the skin infection, we’ll continue our treatment regimen outlined in Day 841 in the Log. The main goals are to keep the skin clean, hydrated, and infection-free and to minimize itching and the damage caused by scratching, while enabling him to get adequate sleep and be as active and functional as he can be. Yeah, no problem.😉

Don’t let TSW hold you up!IMG_2154

"Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it's off to work we go...." 1/25/16

                                  “Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it’s off to work we go….”

Stay strong, persevere, and keep the faith!

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!”  John 16:33

 


Beyond the Itch

TSW Update: 26 Months Free of Topical Steroids

December 6, 2015 marked 26 months since we stopped using topical steroids (TS) for Brian’s worsening eczema and deteriorating health. Throughout topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) and our attempts at using various alternatives to TSW eczema/itch management, Brian’s pediatrician has been supportive. I thanked him for working with us and not belittling or disrespecting us as other doctors have done to other parents of children going through TSW. He said that his main goal is to have a child be able to live, play, have fun, and do all the things children are supposed to do; whatever route that entails does not matter as long as it works for the child. Thank God for good docs.

Current function
Energy and activities–Running, jumping, laughing, playing, and getting cuts, scrapes, and broken bones like a normal 12-year-old boy. Finished strong in travel baseball and cross country. Playing basketball for the winter.

School: Stays up way too late but manages to get up every morning to walk to the bus stop with friends–even in 30 degree weather. Picking up where he left off last year, he made straight A’s on top of all his activities and despite the eczema/TSW spectre. We’re very proud of our TSW warrior for his perseverance and attitude through the toughest of times. Give yours an extra loving hug today!

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Cross country (Brian 2nd from left)

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Feet still intact 12/2/15

But return of the full-body, measureable shedding of skin and…IMG_1921

plasticky elephant skin! IMG_1932

Challenges: Fall and Winter weather wreaks havoc: increased dry, flaky skin, makes skin itchy. Return of full-body, measurable shedding of skin. At night, one can palpate the heat emanating from his body and a dampness in the sheets like the oozing days of old, but not full-on ooze. More like sweating with the slight scent of ooze.

Scratch/Sleep: Compared to Summer, the frequency of scratching this Fall has increased: 0/5 to 3/5 during the day and 0/5 to 3-/5 at night, with or without erythema. Sleep is disrupted during the night again, general between 2 and 3:30 am due to scratching or being cold, and some nights he does fine. I just reapply the balms and oils and he falls right to sleep. Then I go on the computer to do more writing and researching.

Skin quality: varies from looking good with normal color to dry, flaky eczematous areas or head to shin (basically full-body) patchy erythema with dry shedding skin. This skin change can happen day to day or within 12 hours of each other. There are fewer regular scratches on skin. Tough areas are shoulder blades from night scratching.

Still TSW or just eczema now? Only time will tell, but to me, the elephant skin, full-body shedding, and ooze-related dampness indicate that TSW is not totally done; better, but not over yet. The eczematous symptoms, themselves, do seem seasonal, though, when I compare Log entries from October-December 2014 to the skin events October-December of this year.  It’s incredible how similar they are, even to the time of onset! And so we march on….

Current treatment
1) Prayer and thanksgiving
2) Skin care
Moisture maintenance: daily shower or bath, pat dry, immediate application of coconut oil to face, neck, trunk and the Home Apothecary’s lemongrass balm or breezy balm made specially for Brian by Stephanie. Same moisturizers after school, at bedtime, and during the wee hours of the night.
Infection control: periodic ACV baths (apple cider vinegar with “the mother”) or microsilk tub baths; application of mupirocin on open cuts if needed; lemongrass balm
Itch/scratch management: File nails to the nub; moisturizers above; itch-b-gone spray; ice packs; accupressure points, deep breathing and CBT techniques (cognitve behavior therapy). Recently started using a humidifier in his room at night due to humidity level less than 40%, which is extremely drying to the skin
3) MTHFR/Vitamins/Supplements–inconsistently taking b complex, vitamin D3, Zinc, NAC and 1/2 tab glutathione
4) Diet–not as good as it could to be but at least drinking water regularly

TSW is a rollercoaster ride through hell, but as with all rollercoasters, it will come to an end. Thankfully, we have met some incredible people along the way, and the strength that we’ve gained and the lessons we’ve learned will be beneficial to us and to others one day. Beyond the itch, life is good.

Have a blessed Christmas and a TS-free, Happy New Year!
Rosemarie

“I will restore you to health and heal your wounds” declares the LORD.
Jeremiah 30:17


Beyond the Itch

28 Months TSW

Twenty-eight months after stopping topical steroids (TS), how can you tell the difference between topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) and “just eczema”? We in the TSW community ask this all the time, as do some dermatologists and other doctors who can’t believe that TSW could last so long. I agree: How in the world could TSW possibly last this long!?!?

That’s why we’re asking dermatologists and researchers to study TSW in children and adults who are going through this lengthy withdrawal-healing process. They could gather lots of valuable information from the TSW support pages, pictures, and blogs and interview the affected adults and caregivers of children who are going through TSW. From this they could create a picture of this iatrogenic condition and formulate hypotheses on which to conduct more formal research.

I’m not complaining, mind you, or saying, “Woe is me (Brian),” because Brian pretty much has his life back, and skin care and itch management is part of our routine. I just want answers.

My questions to doctors and researchers who believe TSW is just eczema are these:

  1. Does eczema cause full-body, visible, measurable flaking and shedding of skin? TSW does. The pictures below show just the skin that shed overnight. 12/2/2015 7/18/15  less shedding! 5/25/15 Shedding less than 1/4 tsp Almost 1 teaspoon at 15 months TSW   1/10/15 January 2, 2014 shedding
  2. Does eczema cause full-body erythema/flushing at one moment then return to normal-colored skin the next, then back to flushing again? It still happens now–28 months after stopping TS. 1/30/16 1/21/16  7:25am 1/6/16 10:15 pm  Wet wrapping the hands and wrists with water before bed to try to keep skin hydrated; blanchable erythema 8/6/14 Jan 10-11, 2014 red skin
  3. Does eczema result in plasticky “elephant skin”? It happened early in TSW and it’s happening now, more than 2 years after stopping TS. TSW symptoms Pustules are gone but the elephant skin of TSW is back elephant skin back 2/8-2/13

    4. Does eczema result in “red sleeves” in  arms/wrists and/or feet/ankles? TSW does.

    1/13/16  faint red sleeves at the wrist July 18, 2015 3/3/14 November 30, 2013 "Red Sleeves" Redness stops at palms--classic symptom of topical steroid withdrawal 1/11/16  8:46pm  demarcation between erythematous top of feet and white soles; "red sleeves" 5/1/15: demarcation between erythematous dorsum of foot and white sole. 5/1/15 IMG_0827 November 30, 2013 November 30, 2013  Red sleeves

    5. Does eczema result in heat radiating from the body at night like and TSW-ooze-smell sweating? Still going on most nights.

    So, if these signs and symptoms are not TSW and not eczema, what is causing this continued manifestation of signs/symptoms that were present in the early months after stopping TS? Is it just the long-lasting adverse effect of TS use?

    AND if doctors and eczema researchers have seen eczema that presents like signs/symptoms 1-5 above in their patients, are those patients using topical steroids? If so, then how can one definitively say that these signs/symptoms in the patients were NOT caused by TS?

    Food for thought and questions to ask your healthcare provider next time. . . .

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Life after eczema herpeticum. . .Getting through the challenges of Winter weather… Spring is right around the corner…Don’t let TSW keep you down!  Look Beyond the Itch!

“I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure.”                        Psalm 16:8-9

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2/1/16  Morning

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1/30/16  Night time

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Goals: To keep the skin clean, hydrated, and infection-free; itch/scratch management

Treatment: Twice a day shower/bath followed immediately by application of either coconut oil, sunflower oil, or lemongrass balm/Zinc balm combo or a combination, depending on the condition of the skin. Wet wrapping (WW) both ankles and tops of feet at night with filtered water and dry sterile dressing; WW wrist and hands as needed if they are excessively dry or have open areas.

Vitamins: B complex, 4000 iu D3, Zinc, 2 Nordic Naturals fish oil capsules

Itch/Scratching: varies between 0/5 to 2+/5 scratch scale (see Log), stress scratching; benadryl PRN, ice packs, moisturizers (sunflower oil, coconut oil, aquaphor, and/or The Home Apothecary’s lemongrass balm), itch-B-gone spray; deep breathing and relaxation techniques, CBT, acupressure points

Function: Excellent! All A’s in honors classes, playing basketball, practicing and conditioning for baseball, x-box, RC cars, able to get up and ride bus to school with friends.

Look Beyond the Itch!

 


Beyond the Itch