It’s Inflammation!

Hey y’all,

So, what is eczema even? Well, let me tell you, it’s NOT just a skin problem that can be solved with more lotion and less scratching.

Eczema is a form of chronic inflammation. It flares from most of the same things as fibromyalgia, arthritis, and other inflammatory diseases.

Also, I’m going to rant about topical steroids.

So, I grew up hearing “Steroids are so bad for you. Whatever you do, don’t take steroids.” Now why do some oral steroids get so looked down upon, but topical steroids are seen as fine?

Even prescription oral steroids are only used for a short time when you’re sick. I’ve up used topical steroids nearly every day for over 6 years, and no doctor ever told me to give my skin a break.

A year ago, I went through some severe topical steroid withdrawal (TSW). My face swelled up so much that the skin cracked, and my arms were bright red, swollen sleeves of eczema, all the way from the shoulder to the wrist.

Now that I’ve been through that, I think topical steroids should be treated just like oral steroids. If you’re going to get off them (and you probably should), wean yourself off slowly. Withdrawal is awful.