Blog

Julia’s Topical Steroid Withdrawal Story

"Make it mandatory for doctors, and also pharmacists, to be informed about and to inform patients of the side effects. And under no circumstances guarantee that a drug is safe." - Julia

Mini’s Story – Three Years Topical Steroid Withdrawal

"As predicted, by the end of 2019, the cream had stopped working and I was back at that same place where my skin felt on fire." - Mini

Traveling for Answers: Riccardo’s Topical Steroid Withdrawal Story

"I used steroids, as prescribed, non-stop since I was a baby and until my 20s." - Riccardo

Alicia’s Story – Five Months Topical Steroid Withdrawal

"Though I didn’t know much about Topical Steroid Addiction and Topical Steroid Withdrawal, it was the first diagnosis I had in a year that made sense to me." -Alicia

WORLD ART DAY 2023

In celebration of World Art Day 2023, ITSAN is proud to feature the work of artists from around the world who have experienced TSW.

Applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – Tips from a TSW Warrior

"I’ve just been awarded the standard living allowance for Personal Independence Payment, the UK disability benefit. It wasn’t easy and I had to fight for it." -Lorna

Diane’s story – My topical steroid withdrawal syndrome journey…so far

"For the last year, I have been continually misdiagnosed...I no longer question my sanity...I actually have a real medical syndrome." -Diane

CHI’S STORY: “I BECAME ADDICTED TO MY ECZEMA TREATMENT”

“There was never a conversation about alternative treatments or that it was dangerous to stay on a topical steroid for so many years. I felt very betrayed.” -Chi Villines

WORLD ART DAY 2022

In celebration of World Art Day 2022, ITSAN is proud to feature the work of ten artists from around the world who have experienced TSW.

“LET’S TALK ABOUT PROTOPIC (TACROLIMUS)”
BY CARA WARD

“Whilst TSW symptoms can be so varied, and recovery times are so different, when it comes to the influence of Protopic, there seem to be patterns forming that cannot be ignored any longer.” -Cara Ward

BRIANA BANOS – DIRECTOR OF PREVENTABLE AND TSW CHAMPION

To celebrate the three year anniversary of the release of "Preventable: Protecting our Largest Organ," ITSAN highlights the work of filmmaker and TSW changemaker, Briana Banos.

My Life During Topical Steroid Withdrawal – A Documentary

“This film was produced to spark conversation and represent those out there who may endure this condition in silence.” -Carlos Torres, Director

Do What is Most Essential – Tips for TSW Parent Caregivers

Every day your love, your strength and your instincts champion your child’s recovery.

JEM AND JUDE – A TSW WARRIOR AND CAREGIVER’S STORY

A Professor of Medical Education shares a photographic journal of his Topical Steroid Addiction and Topical Steroid Withdrawal experience.

COLTON’S TOPICAL STEROID WITHDRAWAL RECOVERY

“I wish we would have been given more options to help control his minor eczema as an infant, rather than being pushed to use topical steroids right away.” -Christin, Colton’s mom

THE PHYSICIAN PATIENT PARTNERSHIP

Are you supported by your medical provider? Dr. Patrice Little and Briana Banos discuss meaningful steps a TSW patient and medical provider can take towards a positive partnership.

INTERVIEW WITH TSW WARRIOR SAM

At 4 months TSW, Sam describes his experience and what has helped him the most. He shares an update on his health at 9 months TSW.

Caregivers – Appropriate Care Roadmap

Supporting and Protecting Your Family: Your Right to Access Appropriate Medical Care For Your Child During TSWS

Kelly Barta’s Fav Nourishing Cream

Many who go through Topical Steroid Withdrawal become hyper-sensitive to skin care products - even those that previously were used with no ill effect.

Interview with Author and TSW Warrior Kelley Toews

Kelly Toews published her first urban fantasy novella, The Peculiar Disappearance of Jillian Sanchez, which she wrote while homebound and suffering through TSW.

Finding Your Path ~ Back to School for TSW Warriors

Back to school in Topical Steroid Withdrawal can be so much better when you know that you will be understood, you will be safe, you will find support…

Hiu Cheng’s Topical Steroid Withdrawal Journey

I have been through TSW twice in my life. The first time was about 15 years ago in 2004 and 2005 when I was about 14 years old and had used topical steroid creams on and off for about two years.

ITSAN’s Website – An Introduction

ITSAN’s website was first launched in July 2009 by Kelly Palace as AddictedSkin.com based on her personal experience suffering from Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome.