Sally Daly, a mother from Perth, experienced a sudden and painful skin condition just three months into her first pregnancy. What began as a slow-growing rash eventually spread across her entire body by the time she was due to give birth. Over the following years, she spent around $10,000 and countless hours consulting specialists and trying different treatments to manage her condition—eczema.
Eczema affects nearly three million Australians, including one in three children under the age of six, according to the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. Australia ranks among the countries with the highest rates of eczema, with contributing factors including the nation’s climate. Health Minister Mark Butler emphasized the serious impact eczema can have on quality of life during a press conference last year, reflecting concerns often raised by dermatologists.
Sally initially tried to manage her symptoms using natural remedies, but nothing relieved the pain or stopped the condition from spreading. When she finally visited a general practitioner, she was referred to a dermatologist who diagnosed eczema without conducting any tests. The dermatologist advised her to use steroid cream twice a week and taper off. What was supposed to be a short-term solution quickly became a near-daily routine that lasted nearly two years.
Before her son’s first birthday in September 2022, Sally decided to stop using steroid creams. That’s when her symptoms took a severe turn. One night, she woke up to find her face swollen shut, her skin red and weeping, and her body shaking uncontrollably. Her skin felt like it was burning, and her vision became impaired. Despite seeking emergency care, she was only given antihistamines and sent home without a clear diagnosis.
In her search for answers, Sally discovered online support groups discussing a condition known as topical steroid withdrawal (TSW), also referred to as topical corticosteroid withdrawal. The symptoms described by others mirrored her own experience, and for the first time, she felt that her suffering made sense. At the height of her illness, her husband had to take long service leave to care for their baby, as Sally could not even pick up her son or care for herself. Her skin was raw and flaking, and the physical and emotional toll led her to a point of despair. She became so isolated and hopeless that she began looking for a support companion—a “TSW buddy”—to help her get through.
Eventually, Sally sought help from a naturopath who diagnosed her with pyroluria, a condition that leads to low levels of zinc and vitamin B6. The naturopath also found food intolerances and high levels of residual steroids in her system. A personalized treatment plan was introduced, involving high-dose supplements, homeopathic remedies, and a no-moisture therapy protocol. Though extremely difficult, this holistic approach led to gradual improvement. Sally also found relief from burning and dryness through the use of MooGoo creams designed for eczema and psoriasis.
Six months later, her condition had improved significantly. Sally was once again able to walk and enjoy outdoor time with her son. While her skin remained dry—particularly during winter—she no longer felt trapped in a constant health emergency. She described her mental health as having done a complete turnaround. Sally emphasized that eczema should not be dismissed as “just a rash,” and said that TSW is a serious, life-altering condition. Despite the hardship, she believes healing is possible, even if the journey is long and difficult.
Melody Livingstone, CEO of MooGoo, confirmed that the company has seen a rise in people reaching out about TSW. She welcomed the growing recognition of the condition, including acknowledgment from the Australasian College of Dermatologists and advocacy by organizations such as the National Eczema Society and the British Association of Dermatologists.
Livingstone stressed the importance of a gentle and holistic strategy when recovering from TSW. She advised that patients consult healthcare professionals before discontinuing steroid use. She also emphasized the need to maintain skin hydration, eliminate harsh cleansers, and use moisturizers free of irritants like parabens, petroleum-based ingredients, and phenoxyethanol. A thick barrier cream with ceramides, she added, can help lock in moisture and protect damaged skin from further irritation.
Sally’s story sheds light on the challenges faced by many dealing with eczema and the potential dangers of long-term steroid use. As awareness of TSW grows, so too does the hope for more compassionate and informed approaches to treatment and recovery.
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