‘Party girl’ feels like a ‘burns victim’ with oozing nipples after condition ravaged her body for 30 years

Topical steroids have left a “NORMAL” party-loving teenager “feeling like a burns’ victim” after prolonged use.

When 31-year-old Rebecca Ebbage stopped using steroid cream to treat her excruciating eczema, she was left with crusty skin, significant hair loss, and gushing nipples.

The account manager stopped using the steroid cream that had been prescribed to her when she was a kid in 2022 in order to address her skin condition.

However, when she had to vacuum up “bags of skin” every day due to itching, bleeding sores that covered her entire body, her life was forever altered.

Other symptoms that Rebecca has experienced include severe hair loss and persistent seeping from her nipples.

According to Rebecca, a resident of Sandhurst, Berkshire, her life has been “ruled by her skin” for the past two years. She claims that this has affected intimacy in her relationship and that shocked strangers have avoided her on public transportation.

She became aware that she was exhibiting signs of topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) after seeing a video on TikTok.

After quitting the usage of topical corticosteroids, which are medications given topically to treat diseases including psoriasis and eczema, an unpleasant reaction known as topical steroid withdrawal may occur.

Rebecca claimed that the illness has made her feel like a “monster” and that she is currently desperately trying to raise money for alternative therapy in order to regain her life.

She stated: “I led a perfectly normal life, and my eczema was always extremely treatable.

“With makeup and a fake tan, I was able to go out clubbing with my buddies.

“But in 2022, something shifted; it no longer felt like eczema. I had the impression that my body was on fire and that I had been burned.

“After that, my life took a permanent turn, and now my skin controls it. I am unable to perform any of my previous abilities.

When Rebecca’s prescription for the steroid cream she had been taking to treat her eczema since she was 11 months old ran out, she neglected to renew it.

However, as doctors suggested increasing her steroid dosage to address her complaints, she soon developed flaky, dry skin.

Perplexed by her deteriorating health, Rebecca discovered she had TSW after seeing a video of a person with the disorder on TikTok.

Rebecca stated: “I don’t recognize the person I am now; this condition has stolen my life.”

“My nipples would continuously leak crusty, yellow fluid, my lymph nodes were like golf balls, and I had lost all of my body’s hair as well as the hair on my head.

“The water was so acidic that I was unable to take a bath or shower. You’re extremely sensitive to allergens and irritants, therefore even one glass of wine can lead me to have an itching episode.

“Every day, I lose sacks of skin. The inside of my black leggings is simply covered in white where my skin has fallen off when I take them down to use the restroom.

“Every night, I had to vacuum my floor and bed. Everything is impacted. I don’t go out to meet people. I’m essentially confined to my house because of it.

“Despite my partner’s tremendous support, I don’t feel good about myself. It’s quite stressful since I can’t get dressed up and put on makeup, so we can’t go on a vacation or have a date night together.

“It’s completely put a stop in our relationship, in terms of intimacy – normal things you do in a relationship we’ve just had to park.”

Additionally, the public frequently reacts negatively to Rebecca’s situation.

Because my hands are so red and hurting, people have asked me if I’ve been in a fight,” Rebecca remarked.

“As if I were contagious, I’ve had individuals at gas stations grab my money or card out of my hand when I give it to them.

“It seems like everyone is staring at me and asking, ‘What’s wrong with her?'” People have shunned me on public transit.

“I’m worn out from having to inform folks on what’s happening all the time. It would all go if I resumed my steroid medication, which is really alluring.

“You live in continual terror of things that can trigger you. It has been a living hell for the last few years.

“Before this procedure, I looked at photos of myself, and I didn’t recognize that person. “I’m always asking myself, ‘will I ever be able to go back to that person, or do I have to accept this is it now?'”

In order to assist treat her crippling illness, Rebecca is presently raising money for Cold Atmospheric Plasma therapy (CAP).

You can donate by going to her GoFundMe page.