Help Lubna get CAP for TSW
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Hi everyone,
I’m Lubna, and I’ve been living with eczema for as long as I can remember. Unfortunately, things have gotten much worse over the past few years because of a condition called Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW), which I’ve been struggling with since 2020.
For a long time, I was prescribed various topical steroids like hydrocortisone, betnovate, clobetasone, and mometasone, starting when I was just three years old. I also used oral steroids like Prednisolone. Unfortunately, I developed a dependence on them, and when I tried to stop using them, my skin started to react horribly. Now, I’m living with the painful effects of TSW, a condition that many doctors still don’t fully understand or acknowledge.
The symptoms of TSW are:
- Skin oozing, excessive flaking, and redness on my sleeves, legs, neck, hands, and face
- My skin cycles between oozing, swelling, burning, and flaking—it’s like my skin can’t find a balance
- Hypersensitivity to weather, water, clothing fabrics, temperature, movement, and even moisturizers
- Thermoregulation issues
- Skin atrophy—my skin has become thin, fragile, and tough, almost like "elephant skin"
- Nerve pain—I experience "zingers", sharp, painful sensations that shoot through my skin
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Insomnia
- Depression and suicidal ideation—this has been one of the hardest parts. The emotional and mental toll of TSW can feel overwhelming at times.
I’ve tried to get help from both my GP and dermatologists, but every time I’ve tried to discuss TSW, I’ve either been ignored, laughed at, or told to keep using the steroids that caused the problem in the first place. It’s been incredibly frustrating and disheartening, especially when all I want is to get better.
In May 2024, I underwent phototherapy in the hope that it would help my skin. While it provided some temporary relief, my skin is still in constant pain, and I feel like I’m running out of options. The last treatment that could really make a difference for me is Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) treatment. This treatment has been shown to help people who have the same condition as me, and it’s available in very few places around the world. One of those places is Thailand, and after researching it, I’ve decided that this is my next step.
CAP treatment works by promoting healing at the cellular level, which could be the key to my recovery. The treatment is ongoing, and I’ll need to stay in Thailand for six months to complete the recommended course. The whole process is a huge commitment both emotionally and financially, and that’s why I’m reaching out to you today.
I’ve started a GoFundMe to help cover the costs, and I genuinely need your support
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this, and please feel free to share it with others. God bless, and thank you.
With love,
Lubna
UPDATE:
I'm currently in Thailand and have been here receiving treatment since February 2025 - I have 15 remaining treatments I need to have to achieve 100% healing rate, and I have to be back in the UK at the end of July.
Each treatment cost me £200 per session
£200 x 15 = £3000
Plus the Cjay Serum costs = £70 per month
£70 x 4 months = 280
Rent + Bills = £350 per month
£350 x 4 = £1400
Flight ticket back home = £500
Total = 5180
Please share, Thank you.
For more information on this condition (TSW)
ITSAN (International Topical Steroid Awareness Network)
National Eczema Society ( https://eczema.org/information-and-advice/topical-steroid-withdrawal-tsw/)
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/topical-steroid-withdrawal-reactions-a-review-of-the-evidence/topical-steroid-withdrawal-reactions-a-review-of-the-evidence
Documentary by Briana Banos; Still Preventable (https://youtu.be/ZJfsOK7cKFY?si=nx1CS5Igi7Ffi6OL)
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Lubna S
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