Imagine a simple skin cream turning your life into a living hell. Francesca Tebat, a 33-year-old wellness professional and passionate climber, has been living this nightmare for two years due to a steroid cream prescribed to treat a rash. Instead of relief, she got a nightmare that stole her health, independence, and even her career.
It all started with three small red spots on her arm. The diagnosis? Eczema or psoriasis. The solution? Steroid creams. But instead of helping, the creams burned her skin, caused peeling, and left open wounds. When she decided to stop using the creams, a brutal reaction followed — her hands swelled, her skin burned like fire, and even the touch of fabric was unbearable. Water felt like acid, and dressing or showering became a nightmare.
Doctors were baffled; some even claimed it was a simple infection and prescribed steroid creams again, which only worsened her condition. Francesca became a shadow of herself, isolated and in constant pain, with skin that constantly peeled and itched. Mentally, she was on the brink of collapse but found hope in an international network raising awareness about this condition — ITSAN.
Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) affects about 15% of steroid cream users, but most doctors are unaware of it. Cold atmospheric plasma therapy, which reduces inflammation and promotes skin regeneration, is the only hope but is available only in three countries — Singapore, Bangkok, and the UK. Francesca is on a waiting list in the UK, but the costs of travel, accommodation, and accompaniment are huge, and her condition does not allow her to care for herself alone.
This story is not just about Francesca. It’s a warning to everyone who thinks steroid creams are harmless. They can cause skin dependency and lead to catastrophic consequences. If you have ever used these creams, ask yourself — are you really sure you know what’s happening beneath the surface?
Francesca is determined to turn her suffering into strength and shed light on this unknown problem. Her message is clear: no one should suffer in silence like she did. And you? Are you ready to open your eyes and face the truth? Or will you keep believing steroid creams are just harmless medicines? Share your thoughts — maybe your story will change someone’s life.
