Essential oils have become quite popular, and while research is still ongoing, many people find them beneficial in managing symptoms. My Journey with Essential Oils I began using essential oils seven years ago, and my interest deepened during my journey through topical steroid withdrawal (TSW). Through trial and error, I discovered how these oils could…
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A Journey Through A Decade Of Topical Steroid Withdrawal
As I approach my 10 year TSW (topical steroid withdrawal) anniversary on June 15th, sitting in my bed – the bed that has been both my prison and sanctuary on and off throughout these years, in a body that has felt more like a cage than anything else. The body that, in the present moment,…
Silencing The Bullies In The Past – Eczema and Trauma
Throughout my upbringing, I often found myself as an “outsider” and a bit of a loner. At a young age, after surviving the Yugoslavian war, I found myself the center of bullying quite often, for many reasons. Of course, eczema was always one of those, as far back as I can remember. Looking back on…
What Is Topical Steroid Withdrawal?
Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW), now known also as Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome (TSWS) is a condition that many individuals using topical steroids for various skin conditions, most commonly eczema, are at risk for. As a lesser-known aspect of dermatological treatment, TSW presents a unique and challenging experience for those affected by it, myself included. Over…
Skin and Boundaries: What’s the Connection?
From my earliest memories, the concept of boundaries was foreign to me. The distinction between where I ended and someone else began remained unclear until I matured and embarked on a journey of learning and personal and inner growth. The struggles of being a people-pleaser In my youth, I grappled with being a chronic people-pleaser,…
Topical Steroid Withdrawal, Eczema, And Dealing With Grief
When dealing with any chronic illness, especially something as life altering and profound as TSW (Topical Steroid Withdrawal), there are so many things to be left behind, introducing an additional layer of grief on our journey. Grief Beyond Loss of People Contrary to some notions, grief goes well beyond just the loss of those close…
The Importance of the Mind-Body Connection in Healing
For a while now, I’ve been immersing myself in the teachings of Dr. Joe Dispenza, among other professionals in regards to the importance of the mind-body connection in healing, and I must admit he has profoundly influenced my perspective on healing topical steroid withdrawal, eczema and overall health and changes in life. Exploring deeper dimensions…
How Topical Steroid Withdrawal Is Tied To Emotions
At times, I sense that my skin rashes completely reflect emotions I’ve suppressed throughout my life. Growing up in a war-torn country and adapting to a new culture and language as a child was overwhelming. The correlation between trauma and my eczema and Topical Steroid Withdrawal has become evident throughout the years. Moving to the…
Faith
When there’s so much uncertainty in our lives everywhere we look, all we can do is look within and trust. Dare I say have faith? Faith is something that I wasn’t exactly raised with – I thought one must be religious to have faith. I never thought about the universe and how vast the world…
War
Nobody leaves a war unscathed – both literally and metaphorically. We all try to move on with our lives. We try to bury it as if it never happened. We hold onto the good things in life and have gratitude that it’s “not as bad as it once was”. But that energy looms around us…