TSW (topical steroid withdrawal) can happen to anyone using topical steroids to manage skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis, or a rash. Unfortunately, it can happen to children too. Luckily for one family, TCM herbal medicine was the answer for their then 4-year-old son, Jimmy*.
Jimmy’s Story
“At just a few months old, our son was prescribed topical steroids for an unknown rash,” says Jimmy’s mom. “Being new parents, we followed the doctor’s orders, yet with every visit his skin condition continued to worsen. Each visit led to a higher dose of prescribed topical steroids.”
Unfortunately, what Jimmy’s parents didn’t know was that sometimes using topical steroids can make a condition worse due to topical steroid withdrawal. TSW is hard to diagnose because the symptoms often mimic the same condition the patient sought help for when they received the prescription for topical steroids.
“We were confused as to what was happening to our son’s skin. He was red and constantly itchy. It wasn’t until we made the connection between the higher dose of steroids and his worsening condition that we changed courses. We firmly believe he was suffering from TSW,” says Jimmy’s mom.
Finding a Natural Solution for TSW
Traditional Chinese herbal medicine offers a natural solution for healing both TSW and any underlying skin condition that came before topical steroid use. Luckily, Jimmy’s parents found Amethyst Holistic Skin Solutions, which offers TCM herbal medicine to patients of all ages.
“After much research online, we found Dr. Olivia. Immediately, I felt like we had an advocate in our corner. She was knowledgeable, diligent, and extremely empathetic.”
Recovery with TCM herbs doesn’t happen overnight, but Jimmy’s Mom started to see signs of recovery relatively soon. This was great news, as TSW can really diminish a person’s quality of life. It’s especially difficult to see children endure the pain and itching, and see TSW keep them sidelined from normal childhood activities. “Within a few weeks we started to see real changes in our son. He was able to bathe without fear of water stinging his skin and his personality began to shine through.”
Before and After Photos
What Jimmy’s Mom Says Now
“Jimmy is now a healthy, active, and lively 5-year-old boy. He’s even on a swim team and loves going to the beach!”
“Dr. Olivia has been a Godsend for our family. She is truly a blessing in this field. My only regret was not connecting with her sooner!”
*Jimmy is a pseudonym to protect this patient’s privacy
Want to Learn More About Eczema?
Dr. Olivia offers a free e-course called “Solving Eczema Inside and Out” and other resources for those suffering from eczema and topical steroid withdrawal. Also, check our media section for interviews and more articles on TSW.
About the Author
Olivia Hsu Friedman, LAc, Dipl.OM, DACM, Cert. TCMDerm, is the owner of Amethyst Holistic Skin Solutions and treats Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis, and TSW. Olivia treats patients via video conferencing using only herbal medicine. Olivia is Chair of the Board of Directors of the American Society of Acupuncturists, serves on the Advisory Board of LearnSkin, and is a faculty member of the Chicago Integrative Eczema Group sponsored by the National Eczema Association.