Dear friends, family and kind strangers,

As many of you will be aware, I have been going through a severe skin condition for over a year called Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW). TSW is a condition that is brought on by overuse of steroids, commonly prescribed to those with skin issues such as eczema. Although these creams can provide a degree of relief to many, when prescribed strong steroids for a prolonged period of time, serious complications can arise.

Many doctors are unaware of these severe complications as there is not enough knowledge around the subject. Some are ignorant to the possibility as it doesn’t fall within the parameters that they have been taught. For these reasons, many that go through this ordeal feel extremely isolated and lost to know where to turn for resolutions. I for one can relate to them feelings.

There are many symptoms that can come with TSW, none of which are particularly pleasant. The typical signs are burning, bright red, dry, flaky, oozing skin that you struggle to not scratch every minute of the day. Other common symptoms are insomnia, muscle spasms, trouble regulating body temperature, hair loss, depression, exhaustion and more. It is not uncommon for many to struggle to work through these problems and find themselves bed ridden during periods of the withdrawal. This debilitating condition puts strain on relationships, careers and completely ruin lives while it is going on.

With the lack of knowledge surrounding TSW there is no known cure as yet. The common routes of heavy moisturising only seem to exacerbate or prolong the symptoms.

After ongoing steroid cream use I was also prescribed oral steroids. The combination of both provided a short window of hope near the beginning of the initial flare. However, once the volume of these medications were reduced the symptoms started to return, only this time much worse. I also underwent phototherapy for 4 months. This only caused further irritation and discomfort so this was stopped 4 sessions short of the full course. I have worked all of the way through this nightmare purely on stubbornness and necessity to earn a living. However, a little over a month ago it all got too much and I needed something to change.

Searching high and low for answers like we all do for various reasons, I stumbled across an answer.

Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) therapy. This treatment has been around for over 30 years and has been predominantly used in the wound healing sector. It works by stimulating growth in skin cells which rapidly speeds up recovery times. This treatment has also been used by a clinic in Thailand for around 20 years, specifically in treating those battling TSW.

As it stands, there is only 3 clinics worldwide in which has the machines specifically calibrated to treat the symptoms of TSW. Those are situated in the UK, Thailand and Singapore. For me the obvious choice would be the UK clinic, however, there is a waiting list of over a year. After being in contact with the Thailand clinic, they have confirmed availability for me as soon as I can make the move.

This is where I ask for your help.

Having been planning this for quite some time I have had a deep look into the finances required to make it possible. It is likely I will need to relocate for a minimum of 6 months and will need to factor in treatment, accommodation, travel and living expenses.

This is a breakdown of the expected expenses:

£2500 Travel costs (flights, daily transport, visas)

£2000 Accommodation

£4500 CAP Treatment

£2000 Food/Miscellaneous

Due to Thailand being very affordable for general living expenses, these generous donations will go an awful long way in helping my situation.

If we have ever crossed paths, are close friends or family or you have merely been touched by my story, it would mean the absolute world to me if you can support this part of my journey. Any amount of money will help as it all goes into the pot that can get me my life back on track.

Thank you for the support.

Sam.