Tanya Kong
Age: 33
Career: Lawyer
When did you cease using topical steroids: I’m not sure exactly, it’s been over a year now. I stopped after searching ‘eczema’ on the internet and Instagram and discovered the hashtag #tsw. I remember having one last prescription of steroids in my cupboard at that time, and telling myself once that supply ran out… I wouldn’t go back to the doctor.
What type did you use: Can’t say I paid attention to the names, but mostly a mild to medium strength brand. Often would just pick up the over the counter 0.5% hydrocortisone, but the last prescription I remember was from my family doctor – 500ml lotion bottles of 1% hydrocortisone with 2 refills.
What is your favorite product for comfort? It’s varied over the year or so. I hate using anything that isn’t natural. Right now coconut oil is working really well, which is weird as before it would make me extremely itchy. My skin seems to be taking it much better. If I put anything else on it – I get unbearably itchy, including any creams touted to be for itchy or dry skin with no fragrances etc. But of course, above and before anything else, this whole process has inspired me to learn SO much more about the body, how it works and how I can help my body with supplements, good food and nutrition. I find a big part of this struggle is the mental anguish, the insecurities, depression, anxiety, lack of motivation, loss of hope…Going to topical therapies is one method to quell the pain, but the biggest difference has been eating the right foods to control my moods and keep my energy up. I make a smoothie every morning and throughout the day supplement with daily doses of goat’s milk kefir (prebiotic), DHA and fish oils (skin texture, brain and nerve function), hemp seed oil as a source of omega 3 and vitamin E (skin, brain and nerve) ashawaghanda herb (stress and anxiety), ionic magnesium citrate (waste removal, relaxation, sleeping and quelling inflammation), maca herb (better mood, stress relief, sex drive), blueberries (skin and brain function), raw cocao (source of magnesium and zinc – helping heal the skin), zinc citrate (heals the skin), turmeric (calms inflammation, improves mood), chlorella (remove toxic metals from the blood), raw honey (can be mixed with anything in warm water – improves bioavailability of herbs and supplements– i.e. helps body assimilate and process these supplements so they work better!)
What is the hardest thing to deal with during this condition? I’m a lot better than I was. It’s been an incredibly challenging year. It’s difficult to relay to others the pain, and garner the understanding and empathy for someone who itches constantly, shuns their new reflection, and feels shame and embarrassment in public. The pain, distraction, stress, and anxiety can be unbearable. I’m a private person, and I don’t like to burden people with my personal problems, and I do believe we all have some kind of struggle to endure – whatever the form. But I think what makes this most difficult is explaining the complexity of my pain. Most nights have been a push, a call to god to be strong and power-through the unbearable itch, the soreness and missing out on life and being normal. Any woman wants to feel pretty, sexy and powerful in their own skin. Skin is a reflection of health, vitality, and sensuality. It communicates feelings and emotions through touch. To lose confidence, and self-worth; to see my bright light fade and watch myself and my face, neck, chest and arms deteriorate over the last year and not have the strength, energy or stamina to see the people I love and adore, then watch friendships I turned away from for fear of appearing frail or being viewed as ‘unpretty’ fade over time has been hard. BUT, I refuse to look at this as a loss! I’ve learned so much about my body and I’ve discovered the most real and authentic sources of love in my life. I thank it. Sharing this story means one step towards our collective evolution in accepting that the body is an intelligent biological system that knows how to heal itself. Prescription drugs that suppress symptoms have the potential to wreak havoc on the body, more havoc than we ever imagined and often much worse than the original ailment. We MUST give credit to and appreciate the merciful intelligence ingrained and innate in our cells. Our body can heal itself, if we appreciate it for everything that it is, and allow it!
What is the first thing you will do when healed? I’m almost healed now…and slowly but surely, I’m feeling more and more comfortable going out, showing off my glowing personality and gaining back my confidence. I’ve had a few good days recently and have felt overwhelming joy over not itching in public and being able to present myself with confidence and positivity. I’m a wonderful person with much love to share when I’m not wincing in pain!
Preventable: Protecting Our Largest Organ 