Steroid Cream Hell: My Skin Burned for Years

Jia Patrick, a 23-year-old from the UK, has shared her harrowing experience with Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) after more than 16 years of using prescribed steroid creams for eczema.

Starting at age two, Patrick found that while steroid creams sometimes helped, her eczema always returned more intensely after she finished a prescription. By 2019, she began researching the side effects, discovering the term 'topical steroid withdrawal.'

Upon ceasing all steroid use, Patrick experienced severe symptoms including redness, burning, and widespread skin patches. Doctors often dismissed her concerns, attributing her condition solely to severe eczema rather than TSW.

Her skin condition worsened, causing excruciating pain, peeling, and affecting basic functions. The physical toll was compounded by significant mental health struggles, including frustration and isolation, exacerbated by a perceived lack of medical understanding.

Despite trying phototherapy with no improvement, Patrick found relief with ultra-cold atmospheric plasma therapy. She now advocates for a healthy lifestyle and shares her journey on social media to connect with and support others facing TSW, highlighting systemic negligence in healthcare.

In early 2025, she felt hopeful about recovery, but a severe flare-up in spring left her bedbound for weeks. Patrick emphasizes the importance of mental fortitude and accountability for those responsible for patient care.