Swimming, Eczema, and the Hidden Dangers of Topical Steroids
For swimmers, the joy of the water often comes with an unfortunate side effect: dry, itchy skin caused by chlorine. As a lifelong swimmer, I’ve experienced this firsthand, developing eczema around my eyes from wearing goggles for hours on end. Like many, I turned to topical steroids for relief—a quick fix in a little tube prescribed by my doctor. What I didn’t know was how this “solution” would spiral into a nightmare I wouldn’t wish on anyone.
At first, the steroids seemed like a miracle cure. The redness faded, and the itchiness subsided. But over time, my skin required stronger steroids for the same effect. What started as an occasional treatment became an everyday necessity, and soon I found myself trapped in a cycle of worsening symptoms. When I tried to stop using the steroids, my skin erupted with unbearable itching, redness, and swelling. This, I later learned, was Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome (TSWS)—a debilitating condition caused by prolonged steroid use.
My journey to understanding TSWS led me to connect with Dr. Marvin Rappaport, a dermatologist who has been at the forefront of raising awareness about the dangers of topical steroids. Together with Dr. Rappaport, I co-founded the International Topical Steroid Awareness Network (ITSAN), a non-profit dedicated to educating the public and medical community about TSWS. Through this work, I’ve come to realize how little awareness there is about non-steroidal alternatives and how often underlying causes like allergies, stress, or environmental triggers go unaddressed.
This isn’t just my story; it’s a wake-up call for anyone relying on topical steroids to treat eczema or contact dermatitis. The quick fix often masks the problem rather than solving it—and the cost can be devastating. My experience is shared in the powerful YouTube documentary Preventable by Briana Banos, which delves into the lives of those affected by TSWS and the urgent need for change.
If you’re a swimmer struggling with eczema, know that there are safer, non-steroidal options out there. Protect your skin with preventive measures, explore alternative treatments, and always question whether the “solution” you’re using might be causing more harm than good.
It’s time to look beyond the surface—for your health, your skin, and your future.
For more information, visit ITSAN.org or tune into my podcast, Champion’s Mojo, EP 266, where I share more about my journey and insights.
– Kelly Palace, Host
