If you're dealing with eczema and have been using steroid creams for a while, you might have come across the term TSW—short for Topical Steroid Withdrawal. But what is it, really? And why are more and more people talking about it?

At Healing Glow Co, this topic is deeply personal. I’ve lived through it. And if you’re reading this, there’s a chance you or someone you love is living through it too.

This blog will help you understand what TSW is, why it happens, what symptoms to look for, and what the healing process can really look like.

What Are Topical Steroids?

Topical corticosteroids (also known as steroid creams or ointments) are commonly prescribed for inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. They’re designed to reduce inflammation and itching — and for many people, they work quickly.

But they’re meant to be used short-term, and when used long-term or frequently, they can lead to a condition called Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW).

What is TSW Syndrome?

Topical Steroid Withdrawal is a reaction that can occur when someone stops using topical steroids after prolonged or inappropriate use. Instead of improving, the skin gets dramatically worse once the steroids are stopped — often far worse than the original eczema.

TSW isn’t widely recognised in mainstream medicine yet, but thousands of people worldwide (myself included) have gone through it.

Common Symptoms of TSW

TSW doesn’t just affect the skin — it affects your whole life. Symptoms can include:

• Severe red, burning, inflamed skin
• Oozing, weeping, and cracked skin
• Extreme itchiness (often worse at night)
• Swelling of the face, limbs, or genitals
• Skin shedding or flaking in sheets
• Nerve pain or crawling sensations under the skin
• Insomnia, exhaustion, and anxiety
• Chills, flu-like symptoms, or body temperature issues

Some people go through TSW for a few months. Others, for several years. The timeline is unpredictable and varies from person to person.

Why Does TSW Happen?

Long-term steroid use can suppress your skin’s natural healing abilities. Steroids work by narrowing blood vessels and calming inflammation. But when used over time, your skin becomes dependent on them. Once you stop, your blood vessels rebound — leading to what’s often called "red skin syndrome."

In other words, your skin has forgotten how to regulate itself without the steroids. So when you stop, it panics — and that’s when the withdrawal symptoms hit.

Is There a Cure for TSW?

There’s no quick fix for TSW — and unfortunately, many doctors don’t yet understand or acknowledge it. But healing is absolutely possible.
It just takes time, patience, and a holistic approach.

What helped me heal:

• Stopping all steroid use completely
• Focusing on gut health and real food
• Taking targeted supplements to support gut repair, reduce inflammation, and nourish the skin from within
• Daily healing rituals like salt baths and apple cider vinegar compresses
• Reducing stress and supporting my nervous system
• Getting consistent sleep (as much as I could)
• Support from my partner and community
• Learning to listen to my body again

You Are Not Alone

TSW can be one of the hardest experiences anyone will ever go through — physically, emotionally, and mentally. But there is light at the end of the tunnel.

That’s why I created Healing Glow Co — not just to share products, but to offer hope, education, and support for people like you.

If you’re going through TSW, please know:

• You’re not crazy.
• You’re not alone.
• And you can heal.