Indigo Wellbeing

03/02/2026

This is not eczema.
Have you heard of Topical Steroid Withdrawal?
Let’s raise awareness of this debilitating and under recognised condition.

Today is the International Topical Steroid Awareness Day.

Right now, millions of people around the world are being prescribed topical steroid creams to treat a wide range of skin conditions.

Tragically, most are unaware of the very real risks these medications carry. This is the story of countless individuals worldwide who have developed topical steroid withdrawal syndrome (TSW).

TSW is a debilitating condition that can arise from the use of topical steroids to treat a skin problem, such as eczema. This condition can also arise from topical steroid use in individuals with no prior skin condition; such as with cosmetic use for skin bleaching or to treat acne, or in the case of caregivers who neglect to wash their hands after applying topical steroids on someone else.

TSW is characterized by red, severely itching and burning skin that can appear after ceasing topical steroid treatments, or even between treatments. Topical steroids are effective for a period of time to treat the skin condition. As time passes, however, applying topical steroids results in less and less clearing. The original problem escalates as it spreads to other areas of the body. This “progression” is often mistaken for worsening eczema, contact dermatitis, an infection, or an allergic reaction. However, a cluster of non-skin related symptoms also emerge, constituting a syndrome — not solely a skin condition. To find out more about TSW visit: www.itsan.org

We need the world to know what’s happening. Will you join us in spreading the word today?

28/11/2025

This is amazing news for our TSW community, more research is much needed.

https://www.facebook.com/share/19TKop6Aso/?mibextid=wwXIfr

We are thrilled to announce a landmark moment in our research commitment: the launch of a new National Eczema Society funded PhD project!

This vital work, titled "Talk TSW in Health Care Consultations," addresses the challenging and under-researched area of Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW). We are proud to confirm that this project is the inaugural recipient of our prestigious Christine Orton Memorial Award, marking a significant milestone for our grants programme and highlighting its critical importance.

Leading this crucial study is Dr Phillipa Bowes, an Urgent Care Doctor who brings essential, front-line clinical experience to the field.

The research aims to investigate patient experiences and develop urgently needed, clearer support pathways for both those experiencing TSW and the healthcare professionals treating them. This study will lay the groundwork for better understanding and better care.

07/09/2025

A new study from Yale School of Medicine has uncovered a link between skin injuries and the development of food allergies.

A new study from Yale School of Medicine has uncovered a link between skin injuries and the development of food allergies. In mice, researchers found that when a new food was introduced into the gut at the same time as a skin injury, such as a cut or even sunburn, the animals developed food allergies to that food. This connection may explain why children with chronic skin conditions like eczema are three times more likely to have food allergies, with skin inflammation sometimes preceding allergic disease.
The findings suggest that the immune system may “remember” foods introduced during times of skin damage as dangerous, even though the gut is normally tolerant to new foods. This challenges the notion that allergens must enter the body directly through broken skin, suggesting instead that signals between the skin and gut may drive allergic responses.
Read more here: https://medicine.yale.edu/news-article/skin-injury-may-bring-on-food-allergies/

03/02/2025

To all my TSW warriors, I see you and support you 🩵💛

22/09/2024

🍁🍂 The Autumn Equinox 🍂🍁

Night and day are again of equal length and in perfect equilibrium - dark and light, masculine and feminine, inner and outer, in balance. On the cusp of transition the year now begins to wane and from this moment darkness begins to defeat the light.
It is time to complete projects, to clear out and let go of what is no longer wanted or needed as we prepare for descent, so that the winter can offer a time for reflection and peace. And it is time to plant seeds of new ideas and hopes which will lie dormant but nourished in the dark, until the return of Spring.

~ The Goddess and Green Man ~

25/11/2023

Our gut microbiome is fascinating! I think I have so many plants in my home that they are probably the dominant microbiome 😆 🌿

30/08/2023

Blue moon in Pisces… magic, dreams and letting go 🥰

18/11/2022

This is a visual journey of Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW).
It is a relatively unrecognised and poorly understood condition affecting eczema sufferers or those prescribed topical steroids to manage their skin conditions. It affects children and adults and long term use of topical steroids is considered as little as 8 weeks. It's a condition I am passionate about working with and supporting naturopathically. I have gone through TSW myself.
If you'd like to know more or get support with TSW please reach out via my website. https://www.indigowellbeing.co.uk/blog/topical-steroids-linked-to-skin-withdrawal-side-effects

https://fb.watch/gTvgfsPcaR/

19/10/2022

Today people from around the UK come together to celebrate Emergency Services Day, also known as 999 Day, and honour the 2 million people who work and volunteer in the NHS and emergency services. I'm proud to be one of them.

As well as recognising the dedication and selflessness of those who work in the emergency services, 999 Day aims to promote efficiency and educate the public about using the services responsibly.
Emergency Services Day

09/10/2022

To all my PANS PANDAS families. I'm here to walk this journey with you 🥰 If you'd like to know more about PANS PANDAS or think your child may be affected please take a look at the PANS PANDAS UK page and reach out to this wonderful charity.
https://fb.watch/g2Y36gmok1/

30/08/2022

Beautiful Mother Nature 🥰 🌱🌸🌻

29/03/2022

It's the last week before Easter holidays begin here in sunny Surrey. If you need any herbs or supplements please drop me a message before the end of the week.