132: What is Topical Steroid Withdrawal? w/ Kathryn Tullos

Many steroid (topical, oral, etc.) users are not given clear guidelines for how to safely use their steroid. This can lead to a condition called Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome (TSW), which can severely impact the skin and overall health. 
My guest today, Kathryn Tullos is a Registered Nurse from Houston, Texas with a degree in Communications.
She is a wife and mom of 4 kids - ages 14, 12, 10, and 9. In mid-2013, her son suffered severely from Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome (TSW) for 18 months, due to steroid creams prescribed for his eczema.
Kathryn threw herself into patient advocacy to try to help others navigate this often misunderstood iatrogenic disease. She joined the ITSAN board in 2015, helped write and relaunch the ITSAN website, and eventually became Executive Director.
She stepped down briefly in 2018, but she couldn’t stay away for long. Kathryn returned to ITSAN in October 2019 as President and CEO.
Join us as we discuss Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome.
Have you experienced Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome? Let me know in the comments!
In this episode: What is Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome?
Kathryn's son's experience
Steroid creams and babies
The first step if you think you may have TSW
Quotes “Usually people will use topical steroid creams like over the counter cortisone creams, or mid to high potency, all the way up prescribed by their doctors for anywhere from a bug bite, or a reaction to cosmetics, or eczema. So you're treating an initial condition. And what happens with topical steroid withdrawal syndrome is that you become worse.” [2:12]
“There are limits to these medications and we need to know what they are because I think everyone has potential to be affected if you use this too long, too many areas, without breaks.” [15:25]
Links Find Kathryn online
Donate to ITSAN
Follow Kathryn on Facebook | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram