Thursday, July 2, 2015

Day 457 - Day 486: Month 16 Topical Steroid Withdrawal Redskin Syndrome

Well, month 16 was interesting.  I started using Eucerine Restoraderm on a regular basis, showers became quite enjoyable, and I visited Portland and loved it.  I still have crap skin on a regular cycle, but the crap is becoming less severe and the good is becoming more predictable and regular.  I feel like the restoraderm is helping heal the skin barrier.

SLEEP:  Sleep is better.  I slept brilliantly in Portland because I was on an air mattress and it was 50's at night.  I didn't sweat.  Now, at home in hot Texas on my pillow mattress I sweat and wake up itching.   On the whole, sleep is MUCH more consistent and regular.  I don't feel as exhausted all the time.

HIVES:  Hives are popping up as of the end of this month.  They are uniform bumps and are itchy initially and then just take a while to go away.  They are only on the still damaged skin.  The skin that's really red after the shower.  The skin that goes to hell when I flare.  I'm assuming this is a good sign...?

BURING/STINGING:  So, showers were moderately painful at the beginning of this month.  The water initially was fine and then once my pores opened up, it stung unless I used VERY warm water.  Then, once I got out, it stung for a good solid 15 minutes straight.   Once I started using the restoraderm, it got better.  The restoraderm STUNG when I used it for most of this month with decreasing intensity as the month went on.  It would sting when I rubbed it on and then as soon as I used the water it stopped.  Then using the lotion after caused the after sting time to shorten.  By the end of the month, the wash didn't burn and the after sting was minimal.  So, definite improvement.

SWEATING:  Dude.  COME ON.  Sweating still stings and burns and itches like hell.  The surface area is definitely smaller!  It's now only my neck, face, and a little on the shoulders... whereas before it was my whole body that was under a fire ant attack.  Living in the texas heat is hard.

CLOTHES:  I've started wearing...wait for it... SHORT SLEEVES AND TANK TOPS!  gasp.

Anyway... on with the pics.


Day 457

457

457

457


Day 458

458
TSHIRT!!!!


458

Day 460

460
First time in a tank top in a LONG time.  Went to the mall with my big girl!


460

Day 462

I ate cookies at the mall.  Gluten and dairy free... but a lot of them.  Paid for it.  

462

462

462

462

462

462

Day 463

463

463

463

Day 465

465
At the end of the day sometimes I have these flakes.  Super hot.


Day 466

466
No makeup... mild skin... Lips are meh.


Day 468
468
Legs have been painful.  Hurts to shave.


468
AFTER SHOWER


468
Few hours later.


468

Day 469
Ate gluten free pretzels on the plane and paid for it...
469

469

469

Day 470

470

470

Day 472


472
These kind of hives all the time.


Day 473

473

473

473
I ate an apple while shopping and the juice on my hand gave me hives.  And irritated my lips.


473

Day 474

474

Day 475

475

475

Day 476

476

476
Dryness subsided a bit but the hot redness comes and goes.


Day 477

477
Spent the whole day outside and in a tank top!  JOY!!


Day 482

My skin reacted crazy coming back home to the texas humidity, heat, and pollen...

482

482

482

482

Day 483

483

Day 484

484

484

484

Day 485

485

Day 486

486

486


7 comments:

  1. realise im a bit late to the party here on this post but...it is SO reassuring to see your pics. the skin on my arms looks so similar to yours. i have those hives and the chicken-y bumps ALL over my arms and torso. we aint normal but at least we all aint normal together haha.

    Healing vibes to you <3

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  2. I'm so glad you're here! Unfortunate that it's because of these circumstances.

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  3. They are only on the still damaged skin. The skin that's really red after the shower. http://homeremediesforeczema.org/

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  4. Hi hon. My daughter just recently discovered TSW ON HER OWN while researching online - not one of the 13 different doctors I have taken her to see these passed 2 years had any clue about what she is suffering from - as they continually prescribed steroid creams. Now that we know what we are dealing with - we have light at the end of this tunnel. Thank you so very much for documenting your journey. My daughter is far too self conscious to photograph herself in this state. You and others like you who have posted pictures online are the ONLY reason we know what we are dealing with and what to expect give or take. I will be checking in periodically to see how you are progressing and to lend you encouragement for you are among the most courageous people I have ever known. Peace and healing to you dear. L. Silk

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  5. I am in Texas too. My withdrawl is the same amount of time. Be encouraged and thank you for the blog. Samantha...Samigirl

    ReplyDelete
  6. I am in Texas too. My withdrawl is the same amount of time. Be encouraged and thank you for the blog. Samantha...Samigirl

    ReplyDelete
  7. Skin infection is a big problem. It comes by water and other way. Kenacort Cream is best solution for skin infection.
    Ovidac 5000

    ReplyDelete