'I look like a burns victim or something out of a horror movie'

WHEN Francesca Tebbutt first noticed a few red marks on her arm, she thought little of it. A bit of irritation, maybe a minor rash; nothing that couldn’t be sorted with a quick trip to the doctor.

- LOIS MCCARTHY

That was over two years ago.

Now, the 33-year-old from Clunder-wen, Pembrokeshire, is living with a relentless, little-known condition that has stolen more than just her skin's health. It’s taken her independence, her career and a big part of who she is.

Diagnosed with Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW), Francesca endures a severe reaction to the steroid creams prescribed to treat her rash. Her skin is a battlefield: burning, flaking, weeping and swelling without warning. At her worst, even moving her arms, putting on clothes or stepping into the shower become unbearable.

“Water feels like battery acid on my skin,’ she says. “I have to take salt baths just to be able to tolerate it. This is my new normal.”

Throughout winter, she couldn't ever wear a coat because the slightest touch of fabric set her skin ablaze. “I couldn't even sit still without pain. That's when I knew something wasn’t right”

In March 2023 Francesca noticed three small round red marks on the inside of her left arm by her elbow, which were mildly irritating. Having never experienced a skin condition, she was left puzzled. “Looking back, it was nothing compared to the pain I feel now,” Francesca said. “Honestly, I wish I could turn back time, especially now knowing what I know?”

By May, when the marks hadn't disappeared, she visited her doctor. Francesca was told that it was likely psoriasis or eczema and given topical steroid cream, a common prescription.

Initially the treatment worked, but within weeks the rash returned - worse and spreading. Stronger steroids were prescribed, but the pattern repeated itself. Each time the steroids would clear the rash, but it came back multiplied and more aggressive.

“I was trapped in this vicious cycle - steroid cream, temporary relief, then a flare worse than before,” she explains.