Friday 7 May 2021

My Journey with topic steriod withdrawal ( TSW) 5 months in

 For those of you that don’t know, Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW)  refers to the withdrawal effect when topical corticosteroids are inappropriately used or over used and then stopped. 





I’ve had eczema all my life, I have been prescribed so many different creams over the years. Every time my skin got sore or flared the doctors prescribed more and more steroid creams which I thought was fixing the problem. Little did I know my skin was becoming addicted! 

I also experience something similar 4 years ago where my skin had all the common TSW symptoms but I hadn’t heard of TSW back then and the doctors kept giving me a new steroid cream each week to put all over my face. When I look back now I’m in shock that this was even allowed.

Fast forward to 2020, I had been using Steroids and my eczema kept clearing after use but as soon as I would stop my skin would get a million times worse again. So I began researching and came across TSW and I just knew.
I was away for the night with my boyfriend when I woke up at 5 am in absolute agony, my skin was red raw, tight, and itchy just from one night without steroids, that’s the day I knew I couldn’t go back.

Lots of people decide to do NMT ( no moisture therapy) or MW ( moisture withdrawal) during the process but I’ve found it too hard for me personally. 

Fast forward 5 months and I’ve been steroid-free every since. When I say they have been the hardest 5 months of my life it’s no joke. I’ve been through hell physically and mentally, I still have a long way to go but I’m healing every day. I know the rest of the journey isn’t going to be easy but if I can get this far I know I can take whatever lies ahead of me. 

What symptoms have I experienced during TSW? 

I’ve had so many of the common hellish symptoms.
- excessive flaking - my skin sheds like a snake. It’s horrible laying in bed and looking at your sheets and your floor and all’s you see is flakes, mentally I’ve really struggled with it. 

- temperature deregulation - this is so hard! One minute I physically can’t stop shaking the next my whole body is on fire. 

- oozing - luckily I haven’t had this as badly as others but my god it’s horrible it comes with an awful smell too. 

Bone deep itch - this can only be described as an itch that is so deep it can’t be touched.

Insomnia - I’ve really struggled to sleep, whether it being from itching or just generally not being able to sleep it’s not fun. 

Red skin syndrome- bright red wrists and hands where I’ve never used steroids before. 

For me, the mental aspect has been just as bad as the physical to have to wake up and go through it every day is mental torture but it does get better! 

How long does TSW take to heal? 

Everyone is different, someday it depends on the potency of the steroids and how long you have used them for but ultimately everyone is different.

What has helped me during my TSW journey?

- Letting myself have down days- there will be many down days during this journey and it’s okay it’s normal, don’t pressure yourself into feeling like you have to be okay every day.

Listening to my skin - whilst the skin goes through different stages it requires a different approach. Some weeks showering is painful others when my skin needs to calm down oat bath and Dead Sea salt baths are heaven.

Probiotics- a lot of us going through TSW have problems with the gut so it’s important to address the issues going on with the gut to help heal the skin. Taking daily probiotics has helped calm my gut issues. 

Sleep - get as much sleep as you can, you’ll need it! 

I will be doing a separate post soon with all the products and treatments that have and haven’t worked for me! 
If you have any questions please leave them below and I will do a TSW Q&A soon! 

Olivia


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Tuesday 8 December 2020

Magnet: How To Style Your Country Kitchen












I have always been a fan of Country Kitchens, there is something so homely and welcoming about them. Cosy yet modern and stylish the perfect combination. Country style kitchens can be created from the simplest of touches from wiker baskets to flowers. Magnet also have a great range of country style accessories  Magnet Antique Brass Handles  and their "Planked Oak Wood Flooring".

The team over at Magnet have just launched there new "Country Kitchen" range. From warm interior to rustic its the perfect balance.  With a perfect mix of different textures, colours and fabrics available you can create your own perfect country kitchen oasis. With plenty of options you can design your kitchen in anyway you choose. 

Its so quick and easy to book your own Magnet design appointment online were you will be paired with a designer who can help you create the kitchen of your dreams.

Magnet have a sale with £250 off if you place your order before boxing day! It's the perfect time to start you next kitchen renovation. 

Olivia 




 

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Thursday 17 September 2020

*Soap and Glory Lid Stuff Swatches!





I was very kindly gifted a lovely selection of Soap and Glory products, including their famous "Thick Fast" Mascara, "Supercat", and their new "Lid Stuff" Eyeshadow stick. 

Soap and Glory are one of those brands everyone knows for their bath and body range (especially at Christmas)! 
When it comes to their makeup range, I hadn't tried very much. As soon as I saw the Lid Stuff, I knew I was going to love them! Anything that makes makeup application easier is a win-win to me! The Lids Stuff are duo sticks, one side being matte the other shimmery, making them the perfect combo. 
First up is the "Grey All Dark", a chalky grey at one end and a lovely silver shimmer at the other! This would be perfect around Christmas time (yes, I'm thinking about Christmas already)
Next is "Matte Rose", which is my favourite! It's such a lovely warm dusky pink shade followed by a gorgeous golden brown. 
Lastly is "Coco Crush", which is such a classic set of colours. The brown shade is such an easy colour to wear along with the gold shimmer, which can take your look from day to night. 
Overall I'm super impressed by the Lid Stuff. They are so amazingly creamy, making them so easy to apply! They are the perfect product if you're on the go or travel a lot! Even better if you have plans after work and want to add a little extra makeup. 

What is your favourite Soap and Glory product?


Olivia 

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Thursday 20 February 2020

Dermalogica Skincare Edit



I have been working with Dermalogica now for around 2 years, there a brand I have loved and used for many many years previously. I have sensitive and dry skin and allergic to perfume so it can be quite difficult to find skincare that doesn't irritate my skin. Here are some of my favourite Dermalogica products that I couldn't now live without.

Pre Cleanse- Design to remove makeup and impurities this really is a staple product. I apply this to my dry face then apply water turning the oil milky and melting away any makeup. Its the most soothing pre cleanse I've ever used, after a long day at work this is so soft and gentle its like having a mini face massage thats the best way I can describe it.


Ultracalming Cleanser- This ph balanced ultra calming cleanser helps calm skin and combat redness and irritation. My skin is quite prone to spots which often leave red marks behind which can be stubborn and take a long time to disappear. I've really noticed the difference in my skin since swapping from the special cleanser. This is gentle on my skin and leaves my skin feeling super refreshed.

Daily Microfoliant- This is an absolute hero product! Its the most gentle microfoliant I have ever used. It aims to balance uneven skintone, calm the skin and leave you with radiant skin. This has been the biggest game changer in my skincare routine, it unclogs my pores, exfoliates my skin and leaves my skin feeling calm and clear.

Nighty Lip Repair- Created to hydrate, firm and restore the lips and the skin around the lips. I have always suffered from really sore lips due to my allergies my lips are always the first place effected. This has been a god send, I have been applying it before bed every night and my skins feel so plumped and hydrated in the morning. This is also one of their age smart products therefore it helps to reduce wrinkles and increase elasticity.

There are so many amazing products by Dermalogica if you're struggling to find the right skincare for you I would definitely recommend giving Dermalogica a try.

Olivia

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Monday 3 February 2020

A dress for all occasions with FemmeLuxe


Is there anything better than finding a dress that you know you can wear time and time again for so many different occasions? For me this FemmeLuxe is definitely just that.

I dressed it down on holiday with a pair of sandals but this would look SO nice for a special occasion with a pair of heels. 

FemmeLuxe has so many great pieces at such a great price they always have the latest in fashion items available in a range of different size which is also great. 

I will definitely be shopping with them again for my upcoming holiday! 

Have you shopped on FemmeLuxe before? What’s your go to affordable clothes shop? 

Olivia
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