Breaking Up with Topical Steroids: It’s Not Me, It’s You!

There I was, leaving a stressful job with a toxic environment, thinking that was my only major breakup on the horizon. But, nope—turns out I had a bigger breakup to handle: my relationship with topical steroids. About 5-6 weeks ago, I decided to go cold turkey. And if you’ve been through Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW), you’ll know exactly how it feels—it’s like breaking up with an old flame who wasn’t good for you, but you can’t stop missing. Let’s be real, we’ve all been topical steroid junkies at some point, chasing that smooth-skin fix. We’ve forked out thousands of dollars over the years, desperately searching for the magical cure.

Steroids: A Temporary Fix, Not a Cure

Here’s the deal with steroids, immunosuppressants, and most eczema or psoriasis treatments—they’re all about putting a band-aid on the problem. They help by dampening your immune system, which is why your skin clears up temporarily. The itching and inflammation disappear, but guess what? The underlying issue still lingers because these medications aren’t actually solving the root cause. They just make the symptoms go away for a little while.

So, you use the creams, the pills, the ointments, and for a moment, everything seems fine. But over time, your body becomes dependent. You need stronger steroids or immunosuppressants just to keep things under control, and before you know it, your skin is addicted to the very thing that’s supposed to heal it. It’s a vicious cycle of chasing short-term relief while avoiding long-term healing.

From doctors prescribing steroid creams to dermatologists suggesting immunosuppressants, and even naturopaths giving herbal alternatives—the journey is endless. Yet most of these options focus on relieving the surface symptoms rather than getting to the deeper cause. Spoiler alert: true healing doesn’t come in a tube or a bottle.

My Skin’s Detox Drama

So, what did I do? The first thing, of course, was to buy another "holy grail" product I found online. This one promised to heal my skin barrier in 5 days. I thought, “Finally, this is it!” Just like any steroid junkie desperate for their next hit, I wanted something natural to keep me going—something that would still give me that rush of relief. The day the package arrived, I was beyond excited, already imagining the flawless skin that awaited me.

Day one? It stung like an MF, but, you know the drill—no pain, no gain, right? So I kept at it. Fast forward five days, and my skin was still throwing tantrums like a toddler. Sure, the product was nice, but did it deliver miracle results? Well…no. But I wasn’t ready to give up because I’d already shelled out the cash (we’ve all been there, right?).

Eventually, I went back to basics with products I already had. I started using a cream makeup remover and—wait for it—a triple-barrier baby cream that I sell myself (yes, I had the solution in my own hands all along!). And guess what? It actually helped! Along with a few diet tweaks, my skin started to improve.

What I’ve Learned: Less Is More

• Less Water, Less Heat: I’ve cut down on the hot showers that left me looking like a boiled lobster. Instead, I’ve gone for shorter, cooler showers. That scalding hot water used to feel so good, taking away the itch for those few glorious minutes, but stepping out always revealed a red, swollen mess. Now, my skin’s happier, and my energy bill probably is too!

• Less Moisturiser: Yep, you heard me right. I was practically drowning my skin in creams, and it turns out that less is definitely more here. Use moisturisers (like the baby lotion) that help protect the skin without suffocating it and drying it out.

Skincare Tips for TSW

• Choose Gentle Products: Opt for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic skincare products to avoid irritating your sensitive skin. Look for those labelled for sensitive skin or TSW.

• Avoid Harsh Exfoliants: Steer clear of physical and chemical exfoliants. Your skin is already compromised, and exfoliating can exacerbate irritation.

• Patch Test New Products: Before applying any new product to your entire body, do a patch test on a small area to ensure it doesn’t trigger a reaction.

• Keep Skin Hydrated: While less is more, maintaining hydration is still crucial. Use a light, non-comedogenic moisturiser to keep skin barrier intact without overloading it.

• Protect Your Skin: Use a barrier repair cream to protect your skin from environmental factors that could worsen irritation. However, be cautious with products like Vaseline or petroleum-based barriers. These can sometimes dry out your skin or create a breeding ground for bacteria, especially if there’s any infection or significant redness. They also generate heat, which can aggravate inflammation.

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Foods to Avoid

Avoiding certain foods can make a huge difference in managing your TSW symptoms. Here’s a quick list of common culprits:

• Processed Foods: High in additives, preservatives, and sugars that can trigger inflammation.

• Sugary Foods: Excess sugar can cause spikes in blood sugar levels, which might worsen flare-ups.

• Gluten: Some people with TSW find gluten to be a trigger for their skin issues.

• Dairy: Dairy products can be inflammatory for some people, so it might be worth cutting back or eliminating.

• Salicylates: Since you have salicylate intolerance, it’s crucial to avoid foods high in salicylates, such as tomatoes, certain fruits (like strawberries and oranges), and herbs.

• Spicy Foods: Can exacerbate inflammation and irritate the skin.

• Caffeine: For some, caffeine can contribute to inflammation or dehydration.

• Herbal Tea: Even though herbal teas might seem like a healthy choice, they are often high in salicylates, which can trigger flare-ups.

If you have been able to eat the foods above and have no symptoms then they may not affect you, however it can take time before you see affects and it may be over time or if you eat them consistently.

Foods That Help Healing

On the flip side, some foods can actually support your skin’s healing process:

• Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Incorporate foods like fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), flaxseeds, and walnuts, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

• Antioxidant-Rich Foods: Berries, leafy greens, and sweet potatoes can help combat oxidative stress.

• Hydrating Foods: Cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges help keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.

• Probiotic Foods: Yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables can support gut health, which is linked to skin health.

• Bone Broth: Rich in collagen and amino acids, bone broth supports skin repair and overall gut health.

  
  

If you are Salicylate intolerant then some of the foods above may not be helpful - check with your healthcare provider.

Supplements for TSW

Supplements can also play a role in supporting your skin during TSW:

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil or flaxseed oil, these can help reduce inflammation and support skin health.

• Vitamin D: Helps modulate the immune system and supports overall skin health. A deficiency in vitamin D can lead to flare-ups.

• Probiotics: Beneficial for gut health, which can have a positive effect on skin conditions.

• Vitamin C: Supports collagen production and skin repair.

• Zinc: Plays a role in skin healing and immune function.

• Evening Primrose Oil: Contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which may help with skin inflammation and dryness.

• Milk Thistle & Dandelion: Support liver health, which can aid in detoxification and overall skin condition.

• Fibre: Essential for gut health, which is crucial for overall skin health and detoxification.

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Can Exercise Help TSW?

Yes! Gentle exercise can be beneficial for TSW. Here’s how:

• Improves Circulation: Regular, moderate exercise helps improve blood flow, which supports skin health and healing.

• Reduces Stress: Exercise is a great way to manage stress, which can otherwise exacerbate TSW symptoms.

• Supports Detoxification: Sweating through exercise helps your body eliminate toxins and supports overall detoxification processes.

However, avoid overexerting yourself. Gentle exercises like walking, yoga, or swimming can be great for keeping your body moving without causing too much stress.

My Personal Journey

For me, it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster. I’ve turned to Mat Pilates and Yoga, finding them soothing and strengthening. I’ve embraced morning meditations in the sunlight—something I was always told to avoid, but it feels so good to soak up those rays. And yes, I’ve even been walking barefoot outside, despite being told it was a no-go. It’s a small rebellion, but it’s also a grounding experience.

Tell Me About Your Journey

Have you been through TSW? What’s worked for you? What do you wish you knew before you started? Tell me about your journey—I’d love to hear your tips, tricks, and lessons learned. Let’s share the wisdom!