I’m working on my doctorate in physical therapy through Northeastern University in Boston, and, yesterday, I had the pleasure of participating in their RISE 2016 Expo. I did a poster presentation on Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) in children, which summarized my 2015 research/paper “A Systematic Review of Topical Steroid Withdrawal in Children Diagnosed with Eczema.”  It was well-received and was one of the finalists for the research awards.

RISE was a great networking opportunity, and I was able to share information on TSW in children and adults, but BEST of all, I was able to meet Pam, Rob, and their son Ryan! Ryan is 30 months TSW and continues, like my son Brian and many others, on this rollercoaster healing journey.

Pam, Ryan, Me

Make our kids’ TSW suffering count for something! Keep sharing your stories and spreading awareness about this potential adverse effect of topical steroids with your friends, family, acquaintances, doctors, and anyone who will listen. Help prevent future infants and children from having to go through the ordeal of TSW!

Continuously running slide show with healing picture progression of TSW infants and children (Collages were courtesy of Stephanie from The Home Apothecary.)

“Topical Steroid (TS) Spiral” leading to TSW in susceptible individuals

TSW Research Group, LLC: Patient perspective in evidence-based practice is dedicated to research and education about TSW in infants and children

TSW Research Group, LLC and ITSAN brochures at RISE 2016 Expo

Abstract # 1035 “Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) in Children” is a finalist: Top 30 of 412 presenters and 1 of just 3 chosen from the Graduate Health Sciences category.

A special thank you to ITSAN for sharing their brochure on Red Skin Syndrome and to Pam from Creative Pear Marketing & Design, Stephanie from The Home Apothecary, Heather, Nicole, and the TSW Research Group, LLC think tank for their collective efforts in raising awareness of TSW and providing support and encouragement for those affected by TSW.

Poster references and poster & paper acknowledgements

“LORD, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.”

Isaiah 26:12

Beyond the Itch