Darren’s story is one of resilience, determination, and finding hope through patience and the right tools.
As a young sales executive, Darren juggles a demanding office job with the daily struggle of eczema. His eczema had been affecting his fingers, palms, face, and legs for years. Like many others, he relied on steroid creams to manage the itch and flare-ups, pairing them with moisturisers for temporary relief.
But in mid-2024, Darren decided to stop using steroids altogether after realising they weren’t the solution he needed. This decision led him down the challenging path of Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW)—a phase marked by relentless full-body itching, sleepless nights, and raw, wounded skin every morning.
“The most recent flare-up started in July as a dry patch on the left side of my face. It became red, inflamed, and oozing, and eventually spread to the rest of my body. That’s when I realized I needed a better approach because steroids weren’t a long-term solution.”
During his lowest points, Darren shared how the nights were unbearable. The endless scratching left his skin raw, and mornings would begin with pain, exhaustion, and dread of repeating the cycle. He described feeling trapped, as though relief was always just out of reach.
That’s when Darren decided to try something different. With guidance from Skinshare, and renewed determination, he committed to a healing routine. Based on the advice on Skinshare, he began by treating his wounded skin with Argasol Silver Gel, which helped clean and soothe the open areas, reducing the risk of infection. He followed this with regular applications of 100% Pure Emu Oil, known for its deep moisturising and anti-inflammatory properties.
“The Argasol Silver Gel has been a game-changer. After I shower, my skin feels extremely dry, but the gel reduces oozing, brings comfort, and stops infections. It’s the first step in my routine and something I can’t live without.”
But Darren didn’t stop there—he started wearing DermaSilk Tubular Sleeves nightly to protect his skin barrier and keep his treatments in place as he slept. To prevent subconscious scratching, he also wore used the Cardigan Arm Sleeves with Reversible Mittens, which gave him peace of mind and stopped him from worsening his injuries overnight.
The results weren’t immediate, but Darren persisted. After just one week, the inflammation on his hands started to subside. By two weeks, his skin began healing, and the rawness gave way to smoother, drier patches—a sign of progress. By the end of a month, Darren’s legs, arms, and hands looked drastically different. The wounds were gone, the redness had faded, and the itch was far more manageable.
“The cardigan sleeves with reversible mittens have been a lifesaver. They prevent me from scratching, which regular gloves couldn’t do. I also use tubular sleeves on my legs, and these have helped improve my skin significantly in just a few weeks.”
For Darren, this was more than just about his skin; it was about reclaiming his life. He shared how he could finally sleep soundly without waking up to painful skin. Even simple things, like wearing his office attire without discomfort, brought a newfound sense of normalcy and joy.
Looking back, Darren acknowledges that it wasn’t one single product that made the difference but the combination of them working together—showing the importance of having a full skincare regimen for eczema and TSW. His journey reminds us that eczema management isn’t about quick fixes but consistent, compassionate care for your skin.
Today, Darren says he feels hopeful again, something he thought was impossible during his TSW journey. His message to others is simple: “Don’t give up. Healing takes time, but it’s worth it when you finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
