Question everything…

Topical steroids are quite safe for long term use.

Only use topical steroids for short term use.

Use sparingly…

Apply steroids so that they form a slick layer

Steroids may thin your skin.

Topical steroids may cause thickening of your skin

Use topical steroids

Don’t be scared of topical steroids, they’re quite safe

You’re steroid phobic

Don’t use topical steroids

You misused them

You used them too much…

You didn’t use them enough

You didn’t use them correctly

It’s your fault

You’ll be using steroids all your life

You won’t be able to just stop using topical steroids.

You just have eczema.

Stop scratching.

Your skin will never heal if you don’t stop scratching.

No you can’t have any more steroids.

It’s genetic. There’s nothing you can do about it.

Moisturise your skin more.

Don’t moisturise your skin at all.

Eat the right diet for your skin.

Diet has no impact on your skin.

You’ll never be able to stop using topical steroids

I’m happy for you to continue using topical steroids.

I’d be happy for you to try this immuno-suppressant (which ultimately caused Shingles)

Are you feeling the confusion?

Just some of the topical steroids and Immunosuppressants I used on my skin

I’ve been told so many conflicting things over the years about eczema and the treatments I should use.

I just want to share this simply to say, question everything.

Look for second opinions. Look for answers.

Don’t always just go with what your doctor tells you is the right course of treatement.

Be inquisitive.

Trust your instinct.

My instinct always made me very wary of topical steroids.

I’ve always hated using them, held off and used them as a last resort.

My current skincare routines

Now, having cut out topical steroids in January 2019 and Protopic in April 2019 my skin is au naturel. I use Epaderm when it’s flaring and some lovely natural skin care products do help with various different symptoms and skin problems.

Epaderm is a steroid free emollient and has no SLS, fragrances, preservatives or colourings so should be kind to your skinBalmonds – Their tea tree salve is good on really sore areas, Lavender Baby Balm is a dreamy treat for my dry sore thickened areas and I use Skin Salvation on hands, feet, arms and legs and my face when it’s feeling calm. Their Rosehip facial oil is also really lovely. Use code WHATALLERGY for 10% off.Lyonsleaf – Their Zinc and Calendula cream is so gently and great on oozy skin. I also apply a layer at night and often bandage sore areas to give an intensive treatment with Epaderm on top to increase the moisturising qualities and make it go further. Use code WA20 for 20% off until the end of September only.

My skin is still healing. Even after all that time I’m still experiencing withdrawal on my face, the back of my legs and a little on my arms and hands which are all healing slowly.

As a nation we need to question more. We need to stand back and see if there is a natural solution.

I’m not saying ignore all your doctor’s advice because they can and do save lives. I love the NHS… but sometimes, it could be changes in our lifestyle, diet and outlook on life that can have a huge impact on your overall health.

Especially with conditions caused by inflammation, which is linked to having a low immune system, anxiety, depression, stress and poor mental health in general.

If you have a small mild rash, try everything natural first. Please don’t automatically reach for the steroids because they can and do have long term damaging effects on your skin health.

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