A 25-year-old father, Callum Hobson, endured a painful and distressing experience after ceasing the use of a steroid cream, losing three years of his life to the effects of Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW), also known as Red Skin Syndrome (RSS). Callum, from Hull, East Yorkshire, faced severe skin inflammation, preventing him from witnessing the birth of his daughter, Maddy, in April last year. His condition deteriorated to the point where he couldn’t hold his baby for six months, a heartbreaking situation for the young father.
Callum expressed his anguish, stating, “My life crumbled, I could barely function, let alone move. It was entirely avoidable, which makes it even more painful. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.”
In December 2022, Callum was prescribed the steroid cream to address skin issues caused by his work with fibreglass insulation as an electrician. Despite applying the cream for a year, he was unaware of the recommended usage duration of five days.
He claimed that doctors failed to inform him about the risks of prolonged use. Upon discontinuing the cream in November 2023, he experienced severe skin sores all over his body. Callum has already spent £10,000 on treatments and is currently seeking £5,000 through fundraising to support his recovery.
Reflecting on his ordeal, Callum revealed that prior to TSW, his skin was clear, and he didn’t suffer from acne. However, in 2022, he developed eczema-like rashes on his arms, prompting him to seek medical assistance.
Doctors prescribed the steroid cream, advising Callum to use it as needed for itch relief. He applied the cream every other week to his arms and face to manage the rashes.
When he ran out of cream or it became ineffective, doctors would either re-prescribe the same cream or offer a stronger version. Callum mentioned that the continuous prescription without consultation led to a year of usage. In November 2023, Callum’s partner, Olivia Tweddell, learned about the risks of prolonged steroid cream use during a university lecture.
Subsequently stopping the cream, Callum experienced a severe skin reaction a month later, covering his face, chest, arms, and legs with painful, itchy, flaky lesions. Olivia rushed him to the hospital, fearing sepsis after his leg turned purple.
After a week at Hull Royal Infirmary, where he received oral steroids, antibiotics, and immunosuppressants, Callum’s skin showed no significant improvement. His health deteriorated, leading him to quit his job and spend six months bedridden.
Callum initiated an Instagram page to highlight his experience and underwent cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) therapy to manage his skin condition. The NHS describes CAP as a non-invasive treatment that reduces inflammation, kills bacteria, heals wounds, and enhances the skin barrier. Callum has undergone 20 CAP sessions, costing £500 each, totaling £10,000. He is currently crowdfunding to gather £5,000 for additional sessions to aid his recovery.
Callum, now 80% healed, aims to undergo more therapy for his hands and face, which are experiencing the most difficulties. Those willing to support his cause can donate through his GoFundMe page.