When dealing with topical steroid withdrawal or eczema, it can be extremely exhausting.
Physically, mentally and spiritually too.
This is how I feel on most days.
This is why it’s extremely important to take a break.
Whether it’s calling in sick, staying in on a Friday night, or just staying home all weekend…just take a break.
It’s hard to say no. I’m a yes person and it took a lot of energy to even say no. Which is why I even said yes in the first place LOL.
But waking up with dry, flaky, red, inflamed, irritated skin every morning immediately puts hundreds of thoughts into my mind.
What can I do today to look “normal”?
What can I do to look presentable to society to reduce the number of stares and questions I may get asked in public?
Most of the time, we itch and scratch, apply everything and anything to look normal on the outside to get on with our day-to-day.
It’s hell of a lot easier to stay and hide at home, but that ain’t feasible.
If I were to do that during my school days (high school, university, etc) I would still be in school because my skin was never “perfect”.
If I were to do that during my career, all my sick days and vacation days would have been used by now.
What did I do?
I took a short-term sick leave from work until I was able to manage the day-to-day.
Even after joining work on a part-time basis, it wasn’t easy.
My skin was still red, oozing here and there but I felt okay enough to go back.
I was still itching at night.
I was still anxious in the mornings about how my skin looked.
But, I took it day by day.
I slowed the pace.
So I could heal. So I could catch up.
What did taking a break do for me?
It gave me the peace of mind to actually deal with topical steroid withdrawal.
Instead of waking up to an alarm after barely any sleep, I didn’t need to stress about work or worry about what I needed to do to look presentable.
I wasn’t at the stage where I couldn’t give zero F’s about what people thought of me or how they viewed me.
I always wondered what people thought when they looked at my skin.
Just waking up was a mission in itself.
My skin hurt, my muscles hurt and moving hurt. As soon as I started moving, the itching would start and the constant uncomfortableness started all over again.
Instead of worrying about all those things, I was able to focus on myself and my health. Giving it the mental and physical rest it needed.
I was fortunate enough to take time off from work.
If you aren’t in a position like that, just remember to take some time off whenever you can.
Whether it’s using a sick day, one vacation day, working with your HR department, taking a semester off, taking a half day, or saying no to going out, just remember to…take a break!
Struggling with topical steroid withdrawal?
I’ve been in your shoes and have come out on the other side.
My skin is a lot happier. My body is a lot happier. I’m a lot happier.
It took a lot of work.
I had to change my lifestyle, my mindset, and how I viewed the world.
Along with helping my skin from the inside out.
If you need some help, some guidance or don’t even know where to start…
Check out my XZMA Healing Program!
This is a 1:1 coaching program, tailored uniquely to your story and lifestyle.
Think of me like your personal trainer, but for your skin.
