A 33-year-old woman from Pembrokeshire has told of her harrowing experience after developing a severe skin condition that left her looking “like a burns victim.” Francesca Tebbutt, a Pilates instructor based in Clunderwen, first noticed a handful of itchy, red spots on her arm in early 2023. After several unsuccessful attempts to manage her symptoms with prescribed steroid creams, she was caught in a cycle of recurring and exacerbated rashes, culminating in months of intense pain and distress.
Tebbutt initially sought medical guidance when her mild rash failed to resolve. Her GP diagnosed her with either psoriasis or eczema and prescribed a topical steroid as treatment. While the rash initially subsided, it soon reappeared and began to spread. Each flare-up prompted doctors to suggest even stronger steroid creams, but this brought only temporary relief before the symptoms returned with greater severity.
Seeking answers, Francesca eventually halted her steroid treatment in 2024. The results were immediate and alarming. Her skin became increasingly inflamed, and patches of redness and swelling spread up her arms and onto her face. “It was winter, so not being able to wear clothes on my arms meant I was constantly cold,” she recounted. “I couldn’t even straighten my arms or bend my wrists properly because of the swelling and pain; even taking a shower was unbearable.”
Her struggle intensified, leading to several visits to A&E, yet clarity on her diagnosis remained elusive. “One doctor admitted they simply didn’t know what was going on,” she explained, noting that while this honesty was refreshing, it still left her without effective treatment. Even after receiving a possible eczema diagnosis and another round of prescription steroids, the burning sensation on her skin was too painful to bear.
The cycle continued for months, with Francesca’s symptoms repeatedly easing only while using steroids, before flaring up again even more aggressively each time she stopped. The impacts on her daily life were profound. “There were times I was unable to write or even use a pen,” she said. “I vacuumed my bed daily and my car was covered in skin flakes. I have never been so unwell.”
Her pursuit of an answer led her down countless research paths until, in January, Francesca discovered the concept of Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW)—a reaction that can occur after extended and high-dose use of steroid creams. TSW is associated with severe itching, burning, swelling, and flaking, and is estimated to affect around 15% of steroid users. However, Tebbutt claims she was never warned of these risks by her healthcare providers.
The discovery was both reassuring and deeply upsetting. “Suddenly, everything made sense—the red sleeves, burning sensation, and intense flaking.” Francesca reached out to a clinic offering Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) Therapy, a private treatment designed to reduce inflammation and promote skin healing. The diagnosis of TSW was finally confirmed, and while the therapy offered hope, it also came with a hefty price tag.
Determined to restore her quality of life, Francesca decided to share her experience publicly, resulting in an outpouring of support through a fundraising campaign. “Admitting everything online was terrifying, but I was desperate for help and to raise awareness about this little-known condition,” she said.
The funds raised enabled her to begin CAP Therapy and cover costs for daily necessities such as specialised bandages. She has reported some improvements after just a few sessions, describing the relief as “life-changing.” Francesca’s journey has been fraught with physical agony and emotional turmoil, but the community support she received has offered a much-needed light in “the hell” she has endured.
Now, Francesca is intent on raising awareness of TSW and spreading her message so that others suffering from similar symptoms do not feel alone. “It has been overwhelming to see such kindness from strangers,” she remarked. “Sharing my story was nerve-wracking, but if it helps just one other person find answers, it’s worth it.”
Her experience prompts important questions about common prescriptions for skin conditions, the risks involved, and the need for greater awareness within both the medical community and among patients themselves. This case serves as a sombre reminder of the complexities of skin health—and how crucial it is to listen to patients’ lived experiences when seeking effective solutions.