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 US and the start of Topical Steroid Withdrawal

It’s not coincidental that my first severe rash which required a doctor’s intervention, emerged when I moved to the US at 10 years old. That marked the beginning of my use of topical steroids, leading to topical steroid addiction and eventually topical steroid withdrawal (TSW).

Childhood, spent in a tumultuous environment from ages 2-6, left me with significant trauma. I couldn’t express myself, forced to endure silently. It was no one’s fault; it was a necessity at the time.

As I matured, emotions remained foreign, and only recently have I begun addressing and expressing them. My life showcased a pattern of successive traumatic events, and instead of learning healthy emotional expression, I suppressed feelings. They manifested as skin issues and other health problems. Although I’m more aware now, it still happens.

Learning to express emotions

Gratefully, through CBT therapy, hypnotherapy, life coaching, and meditation, I’ve learned to express myself healthily. Our society often labels crying as weak or anger as “bad,” but emotions are neutral energy. Acknowledging and feeling them lets them pass rather than storing them in the body, causing “dis-ease.”

The road to emotional freedom involved daily practices. Despite a long way to go, I’ve progressed. Learning and healing are continuous journeys, not destinations. I now welcome all emotions, understanding they’re part of life’s yin and yang.

Continuous practice while continuing to heal from Topical Steroid Withdrawal

Instead of suppressing feelings and displaying them on my skin, I embrace them. This breakthrough has transformed my healing journey. Psychological and emotional aspects play a significant role in healing. Rewiring childhood survival mechanisms catalyzes healing.

Expressing emotions in healthier ways prevents skin inflammation. I believe our skin stops being inflamed and “angry” when we allow ourselves to express emotions differently. Now, I practice daily conversations with my skin, and I ask “What are you trying to show me?” Engaging in this practice has brought about profound insights. Your body will reveal what you need to know when you speak to it.

Find out more about Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) on my resources page, and check out www.itsan.org