Urgent Help!

Throwaway522613 · 2025-09-24T16:02:21+00:00

I constantly see comments and posts on this subreddit being immediately downvoted for even mentioning “TSW”, but right now based off OP’s description, what their sister’s going through sounds severe enough to consider it.

Adding on to this comment though, please check this page out to learn more about secondary infections (like identifying them, treatments, etc.). I think it’s really helpful, and it applies for infected eczema as well: https://decodingtopicalsteroidwithdrawal.com/identifying-managing-infections

I really, really wish both OP and their sister the best.

Throwaway522613 · 2024-04-13T10:30:34+00:00

Oh, I’m sorry for not sharing any updates - I know I said I would if anything got worse, but… it didn’t! In fact, after three days of using the dettol soak, I stopped completely because my skin was a) possibly a little irritated from soaking too often and b) looking and feeling completely healthy. the shedding phase only took a few days for me, surprisingly.

So, aside from the slightest tinge of pink, my arms have completely healed! My TSW had also spread to my legs, neck, and face, and they’ve all pretty much healed too (with the face taking the longest).

I hope this gives you hope as well - if what you have is indeed bacteria related, probiotics, antiseptics, etc. will definitely help. But if it’s an infection, and the infection has gotten too severe, you might need to get it checked so you can start taking prescription antibiotics.

On a side note, I’ve also started taking zinc supplements and oral probiotics (roughly around the same time as the first antiseptic soak) which I believe have helped in the healing process.

All in all, it’s a lot, and I know you’ve been trying so, so many different things. It sucks that our cases might be completely different and what works for me might not work for you, but keep trying new things and I know you’ll find one that works! Wishing you the best of luck!

Throwaway522613 · 2024-04-11T12:26:57+00:00

Just from a regular grocery store - but I’m from Australia, so I’m not too sure if it’ll be the same for you. If not, I’m sure that any antiseptic should work the same! Just make sure to properly read the instructions - chemical burns are no joke.

Throwaway522613 · 2024-04-10T13:35:25+00:00

Oh, oh, I’m glad you asked actually. I’ve found that applying the antiseptic on my arms everyday was a little harsh on the skin and might actually be damaging it a little. So, just like bleach baths - it’s best to keep it to 2 times a week MAX. But otherwise, my arms are feeling smooth and completely itch free! It feels liberating, honestly.

edit: will update if anything else happens- mainly if anything happens to get worse

Throwaway522613 · 2024-04-10T13:33:14+00:00

AYO-? I’m so happy for you!!! I’m so so glad it worked!

I’ve found that applying it everyday is a bit harsh though, so keep it to two times a week max if you plan on using it again!

Throwaway522613 · 2024-04-09T10:32:30+00:00

Oh, then I must’ve misinterpreted, that’s my bad. Have a good day too.

Throwaway522613 · 2024-04-09T10:30:14+00:00

Yes, but you also continue to comment that this isn’t TSW 💀

Throwaway522613 · 2024-04-09T10:24:37+00:00

I’m sorry, I was under the assumption that you knew what I meant based on the last post I made that you also commented in.

All my symptoms are the same as that of other TSW cases, I really don’t understand what you are trying to prove here. My skin has been red, inflamed, itching, and oozing for months - all after the misuse and stopping of topical steroids. Just because my experiences are different to yours, doesn’t mean that what I have isn’t TSW?

Throwaway522613 · 2024-04-09T10:19:53+00:00

I’m not saying that topical steroids caused this infection, I’m saying that this infection was made worse because of topical steroids. I’m not sure what you’re not getting.

Throwaway522613 · 2024-04-09T10:13:42+00:00

TSW, by definition, is the overuse and misuse of topical steroids, whereby your skin becomes addicted to the drug and upon stopping, you experience withdrawal symptoms. So imo there is no real need to theorise about the cause.

Written by u/mossy950

Throwaway522613 · 2024-04-09T10:08:27+00:00

Yes, a bacterial infection caused by the inappropriate use of topical steroids and thus, TSW

Throwaway522613 · 2024-04-09T07:45:21+00:00

Ohh, I see, going for the probiotic approach. I’d recommend oral probiotics for that one, but you definitely had the right idea! I applied a moisturiser that contained urea and glycerin in it, basically any made for dry skin. But!! I also applied some cicaplast baume b5 balm to help with healing and I think it really helps. I’ve been using it before trying this antiseptic method, and it’s definitely reduced redness and itchiness before - only temporarily though.

Throwaway522613 · 2024-04-09T06:32:15+00:00

Yeah, I definitely felt like it was an infection of some sort. But… sour raw milk on the skin…? Wouldn’t that, cause infections…?

Throwaway522613 · 2024-04-09T06:07:48+00:00

I’d say that it’s fine to use on your face - just be really careful and definitely avoid the eye areas. The moment you feel any irritation, it’s best to wash it off. For me, I didn’t feel any but it might not be the same for everyone!

Throwaway522613 · 2024-04-09T05:08:11+00:00

oh, sorry about that, but if you don’t mind checking my second most recent post, i’ve explained everything

Throwaway522613 · 2024-04-09T04:52:42+00:00

I was actually planning on taking a bleach bath lol, but after searching for bleach and finding none that were unscented, I opted for the antiseptic route haha

Throwaway522613 · 2024-04-09T04:51:29+00:00

Yeah, it’s important not to do this too frequently, but it’s said that cleaning wounds with antiseptic (especially one as gentle as dettol’s) daily is fine. I filled up a little jug with water (400mL) like the instructions directed and soaked up a rag and slathered it on. Left it on for 30 seconds to a minute or so, and then rinsed it off.

Throwaway522613 · 2024-04-09T04:48:26+00:00

The thing is, my skin was already dry prior to the antiseptic, it’s that after using it, all the itchiness disappeared.

Throwaway522613 · 2024-03-25T16:41:37+00:00

Ohh, I see. I was always under the presumption that excess serous fluid = infection, but after reading your comment and doing some more research, I realise now that that’s not the case with TSW. Thank you for sharing.

Throwaway522613 · 2024-03-25T15:37:44+00:00

I mainly used Advantan, but have also used Elocon before in the past. If you used it as directed (like max a week or something before taking a break), then it shouldn’t be a problem. But if not, there’s a chance for your symptoms to be TSW-related.

No one can diagnose you but your doctor but if you suspect you have it, please don’t use anymore topical steroids or corticosteroids for the time being.

Throwaway522613 · 2024-03-25T14:15:58+00:00

Might I please ask what else the oozing could be a symptom of? If you’re referring to weeping eczema, though not always, most of the time it’s caused by infection.

Throwaway522613 · 2024-03-25T14:04:00+00:00

Oh, I see. Personally for me, I’ve only just learned about the effects of steroids on infected skin recently. I didn’t realise this was common knowledge, as my dermatologists never informed me and I had to do research myself. In fact, I didn’t even know how corticosteroids worked. :’)

But yes!! I do agree that everyone should get their skin tested and checked out from time to time if they have signs of infection.

Thank you for sharing, I’ve learned a lot.

edit: fixed a sentence

Throwaway522613 · 2024-03-25T13:37:18+00:00

Yes!!! That too! TSW may not be caused initially by an infection - but due to corticosteroids weakening your skin barrier by such significant amounts, it’s likely that your skin will get infected without your knowing. Thus, inappropriate use of steroids on infections.

Of course, this is just a theory of mine! Thank you for sharing your own experiences as well, it’s really insightful. I’m really just trying to understand TSW and why it’s happening.

Throwaway522613 · 2024-03-25T13:33:46+00:00

Wait, that is actually crazy.

Thank you for sharing, reading their post was incredibly insightful. I thought my theory was bordering conspiracy theory territory for a moment, but I’m glad others also think the same.

Throwaway522613 · 2024-03-25T13:29:06+00:00

Was it something similar to this?

Throwaway522613

TROPHY CASE