Sally Yirka
Age: 33
Career: Nurse (opiate addiction field)
When did you cease using topical steroids: 10/3/14
What type did you use: Triamcinolone and Betamethasone
What is your favorite product for comfort? Dead Sea Salt in the bath
What is the hardest thing to deal with during this condition? It has changed since the beginning months to now. Now the worst part is not the physical symptoms, though I still have them and they still suck, it is the mental battle. Currently battling some pretty heavy depression/anxiety.
What is the first thing you will do when healed? I have a whole list, but the thing I have been wanting most is a tattoo. Thinking of getting a tiny Elephant (can’t help but feel connected to them with all my Elephant skin) holding a phoenix feather in its trunk behind my left ear (we all are rising from burning ashes that is for sure).
Susan Ryza
Age: 63
Career: Jewelry Designer, Crafts teacher
When did you cease using topical steroids: 9/29/2011
What type did you use: FML eye ointment, OTC hydrocortisone, 2.5% hydrocortisone, Rhinocort nasal inhaler, Asthmacort inhaler
What is your favorite product for comfort? I used Vaseline in the early months, then palm oil, then beef tallow. In the last few years, I decided not to put anything on my skin that I wouldn’t eat or at least be a pure, natural ingredient. I’ve been making my own cream mixing beef tallow, shea butter, avocado oil, sunflower oil almond oil and a few drops of lavender essential oil. I also use Hoskings cream (from Australia) on my eyelids. In the last few weeks, however, I’ve found that I’m better off with nothing most of the time, even though I still have dry, rough areas on my arms, hands and parts of my face.
What is the hardest thing to deal with during this condition? Itching! And lack of sleep the first 6 months. I only oozed twice for a day or two, so that wasn’t a problem for me. I also never had lack of energy.
What was the first thing you did when healed? See my friends. I was a recluse for a long time because I was so itchy I couldn’t sit still. Also, just sitting still is such a pleasure!
Preventable: Protecting Our Largest Organ 