Tag: christine

Feature #6: Sally & Susan

sally-yirkaSally 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 Ryzasusan-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!

Feature #2: Ava & Christine

Ava Knappava-knapp

Age: 5 years old

Career: I start kindergarten next year

When did you cease using topical steroids: January 16, 2016

What type did you use: All kinds but chlobetasol foam .05%  is the last one I used.

What is your favorite product for comfort? Homemade zinc cream and Dead Sea salt baths

What is the hardest thing to deal with during this condition? The burning and itching has been the hardest part. I really didn’t like all the skin I found in my bed. I’ve lost a lot of hair and some fingernails along the way, too.

What is the first thing you will do when healed? Wear dresses and sandals comfortably!! I also want to take a dance class again and be able to wear the recital outfit without having a reaction this time.

christine-lozanoChristine Lozano

Age: 26

Career: Marriage & Family Therapist

When did you cease using topical steroids: June 15, 2016

What type did you use: Not sure exact names of topicals, but many different creams/ointments of various strengths. Most recently used oral steroids (Prednisone) April-June 2016 (for 8 weeks)

What is your favorite product for comfort? Zinc cream. Many natural supplements prescribed from my wonderful naturopthic doctor.

What is the hardest thing to deal with during this condition? There are absolutely no words that could describe the physical, mental, and emotional pain of this journey. Every single day-to-day activity became an excruciatingly painful moment.

What is the first thing you will do when healed? I wouldn’t consider myself healed, but I’m in the process! When I am healed, I will exercise, sweat, take a completely pain-free shower, and smile.