'My skin is on fire and I look like I've been burned because of a common cream'
33-year-old Francesca Tebbutt has endured two years of hell after a common cream left her unable to put clothes on or go in the shower as her skin was trapped in a "vicious cycle"
A woman has been going through two years of hell after she noticed small red marks on her arm, initially thinking it was minor irritation. Francesca Tebbutt has spent more than two years of her life living with a relentless, little-known condition which has stolen more than just her health, but her independence, career and who she is.
The 33-year-old was diagnosed with Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) meaning Francesca endures a severe reaction to steroid creams prescribed to treat her rash. This has led to her skin burning, flaking, weeping and swelling with no warning. At her worst, even just moving her warms, putting clothes on or stepping in the show became unbearable.
"Water feels like battery acid on my skin," Francesca said. "I have to take salt baths just to be able to tolerate it. This is my new normal."
During winter, she couldn't even wear a coat due to the slightest touch of fabric on her skin set it ablaze. "I couldn't even sit still without pain. That's when I knew something wasn't right," she continued.
Rewind to March 2023. Francesca, from Clunderwen, Pembrokeshire, noticed three small round red marks on the inside of her left arm by her elbow, which were mildly irritating. Having never experienced a skin condition and blessed with clear skin throughout her childhood, she was left puzzled, Wales Online reports.
"Looking back, it was nothing compared to the pain I feel now," Francesca shared regretfully. "Honestly I wish I could turn back time, especially now knowing what I know."
By May, when the marks hadn't disappeared, she decided to bite the bullet and visit her doctor. Upon inspection, Francesca was told that it was likely psoriasis or eczema and given topical steroid cream; a very common prescription.
Francesca said that initial, the treatment had worked, but within weeks the rash returned—worse and spreading. Stronger steroids were prescribed, but the pattern repeated itself. Each time the steroids would clear the rash, but come back multiplied and more aggressive.
"I was trapped in this vicious cycle: steroid cream, temporary relief, then a flare worse than before," Francesca explains.
By January 2024, after months of steroid use, Francesca decided to stop the medication and see what happened. The response was immediate and devastating.
Within that same month, Francesca said that her arms were swollen beyond recognition. She couldn't exercise her wrists and was in agonising pain. She described the inflammation as extremely intense—burning, oozing, and unrelenting.
She recalled: "One day, I got home from work and I was shaking from the pain. I told my partner that I didn't know what to do, so I went into the bath to try and calm it. I couldn't get any relief.
That evening, the pain completely "erupted", forcing Francesca to A&E. Nine hours later, a doctor admitted: "I don't know what this is."
For Francesca, the honesty was extremely refreshing, especially after hearing multiple doctors simply write off her condition as a common skin infection. Instead, the doctor took photos and sent them to a dermatologist for further evaluation.
Days later, Francesca was informed that the dermatologist also believed that she was suffering from a form of eczema and was consequently prescribed more steroids. Trusting her diagnosis, Francesca diligently applied the cream, which only served to worsen her pain.
"It burned like fire," she recounted. "I had to fan myself for the burning to ease. That went on for two weeks. The swelling lessened but the rash spread constantly."
Sleep became a stranger. She was constantly hot, uncomfortable, unable to use her hands properly. Simple tasks—washing, cooking—became insurmountable. "Every time I go to bed I have to bandage up like a mummy. I can't lie completely under the duvet. It got to the point where I couldn't remember what comfort felt like."
To make matters worst, a few months later, the symptoms had spread to her face. At first, small blisters appeared around her mouth, then that extended to her eyelids. Eating became painful, her face burned constantly, and ice packs became a permanent fixture.
"Even my nephews and nieces were scared of me - they looked at me like I was something out of a horror movie."
Again, she was prescribed steroids for her face. "Knowing what I do now, I can't believe I actually put it on my face... it's mad."
Her life unravelled. An avid rock climber and wellness professional, Francesca found herself unable to move without excruciating pain. By January 2025, the suffering continued unabated.
"I couldn't wear clothes touching affected areas because it would burn. I struggled to work because the pain would become too much; taking breaks after every two patients just to rest and manage the symptoms. I stopped going into shops because people stared. I became a shell of myself."
That relentless pain, isolation, and unpredictability of her condition also took a severe toll on her mental health. "I'm generally positive, but six months of this broke me. I stopped making plans because I never knew what my skin would be like that day.
"It became impossible to stuff without help. Honestly, it really tested my relationship. My partner, works full time but he essentially takes care of me now. Even in the middle of night, just to help me get out of bed and change my icepacks or bandages.
"It's difficult because my friends and family see just a skin condition. They don't see what happens behind closed doors."
Every day, Francesca's skin sheds constantly, leaving flakes everywhere. The burning and stinging sensation never stops. It's like her skin is on fire—she experiences uncontrollable itching attacks, oozing skin, and open sores vulnerable to infection.
"There's just no break from it," she said.
Over months of feeling this way, Francesca continued to research - desperate to find out what was happening to her. The turning point came when she discovered ITSAN, the International Topical Steroids Awareness Network.
Reading the medical symptoms and watching the educational videos was a revelation; the information mirrored her symptoms perfectly.
TSW occurs when the skin becomes dependent on steroids, and withdrawal causes severe, painful inflammation, itching, and skin damage. Despite being estimated to affect 15% of steroid users, it remains largely unknown among doctors.
The relief of finally having a name for her condition—and a community of people going through the same ordeal—was immense. She shared: "Seeing others who looked like me helped my mental health more than anything."
Looking back, Francesca realises her initial symptoms were likely a fungal infection—not eczema or psoriasis—and she never should have been prescribed steroids in the first place.
"When I first went to the doctor, I also had bad dandruff, which would've hinted towards a fungal infection but this wasn't even considered," she claimed. "Had I been properly diagnosed, I would have been over it within four weeks. It's heartbreaking to think about."
However, now fully aware of her condition, Francesca has discovered a promising treatment that could give her "life back".
Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) Therapy is a non-invasive therapy that reduces inflammation, kills harmful bacteria, stimulates skin repair, and helps restore the skin barrier—a potential lifeline for TSW patients.
The catch? The medical-grade CAP therapy is only available in three places worldwide: Singapore, Bangkok, and the UK.
"I immediately called the UK branch in Winchester but was informed that there was no immediate availability," she said. "They were able to put me on a waitlist, but there was no indication of when they would be free."
In her desperation, Francesca contacted the clinic in Bangkok, which confirmed her diagnosis. "They asked me to send over my medical history, to see the potency of the steroids and the length of time I had been using them.
"From that, they estimated that my recovery without CAP could take up to two years. With the treatment, my skin would return to normal within six months.
"Hearing that it could be two years before I was myself again — that was a real kick in the teeth. It made me even more determined to get this treatment."
The caveat of it all was that Francesca would have to relocate to Bangkok for four to six months; which as a self-employed health professional, was impossible. "There are thousands of people like me who have had to go and live in these countries for this treatment. I tried to reason staying a month, but they said that by the time I settled to the change of climate, it would be pointless."
Thankfully, in the weeks between, a spot has opened up in the UK. Francesca is about to start six months of weekly sessions, each costing £180–£270. She shared that the financial burden has pushed her to set up a GoFundMe, which has so far raised over £2,000—something Francesca can barely believe. The link can be found here.
"It has meant the absolute world to me. I was so nervous when I first set up this page, to show people these pictures of me. I didn't know what to expect.
"But it has been unbelievable to see the amount of support. It is emotional for me to think about these people—many of whom I've never even met—wanting to help me get my life back."
To add to the cost, Francesca has to take into account travel and accommodation. The clinic is four hours away, too far and risky for public transport due to infection. She'll need overnight stays and a companion to drive and support her, as fatigue from treatments will force her to cut back work drastically.
"It's hard to ask for help, and I feel embarrassed. But I've reached the point where I have to try. I can't do this alone—though it often feels like I have been, during this ordeal."
Her income has dropped sharply, and every day feels like scaling a mountain she never expected to climb. Yet, despite the exhaustion and pain, Francesca's spirit refuses to break.
She's determined to turn her suffering into strength — to not only fight for herself but to shine a light on this misunderstood condition. "TSW stole two years of my life. I want people to know about it so no one else has to suffer in silence or feel as lost and alone as I did."
Her dream is simple, yet profound: to wake up not thinking about her skin, to fall asleep without wrapping herself in bandages, to wear clothes that she wants to wear — to look in the mirror and recognise herself.
"It brings tears to my eyes to even think about it. I want to live without the constant fear of flare-ups, without the isolation and the pain that takes over everything."
Francesca knows the road ahead will be tough. But with the treatment, the support of strangers turned friends, and her own fierce resilience, she holds onto the hope that one day soon, this chapter will end, and a new one will begin.
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Daily Mirror
14 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
'My skin is on fire and I look like I've been burned because of a common cream'
33-year-old Francesca Tebbutt has endured two years of hell after a common cream left her unable to put clothes on or go in the shower as her skin was trapped in a "vicious cycle" A woman has been going through two years of hell after she noticed small red marks on her arm, initially thinking it was minor irritation. Francesca Tebbutt has spent more than two years of her life living with a relentless, little-known condition which has stolen more than just her health, but her independence, career and who she is. The 33-year-old was diagnosed with Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) meaning Francesca endures a severe reaction to steroid creams prescribed to treat her rash. This has led to her skin burning, flaking, weeping and swelling with no warning. At her worst, even just moving her warms, putting clothes on or stepping in the show became unbearable. "Water feels like battery acid on my skin," Francesca said. "I have to take salt baths just to be able to tolerate it. This is my new normal." During winter, she couldn't even wear a coat due to the slightest touch of fabric on her skin set it ablaze. "I couldn't even sit still without pain. That's when I knew something wasn't right," she continued. Rewind to March 2023. Francesca, from Clunderwen, Pembrokeshire, noticed three small round red marks on the inside of her left arm by her elbow, which were mildly irritating. Having never experienced a skin condition and blessed with clear skin throughout her childhood, she was left puzzled, Wales Online reports. "Looking back, it was nothing compared to the pain I feel now," Francesca shared regretfully. "Honestly I wish I could turn back time, especially now knowing what I know." By May, when the marks hadn't disappeared, she decided to bite the bullet and visit her doctor. Upon inspection, Francesca was told that it was likely psoriasis or eczema and given topical steroid cream; a very common prescription. Francesca said that initial, the treatment had worked, but within weeks the rash returned—worse and spreading. Stronger steroids were prescribed, but the pattern repeated itself. Each time the steroids would clear the rash, but come back multiplied and more aggressive. "I was trapped in this vicious cycle: steroid cream, temporary relief, then a flare worse than before," Francesca explains. By January 2024, after months of steroid use, Francesca decided to stop the medication and see what happened. The response was immediate and devastating. Within that same month, Francesca said that her arms were swollen beyond recognition. She couldn't exercise her wrists and was in agonising pain. She described the inflammation as extremely intense—burning, oozing, and unrelenting. She recalled: "One day, I got home from work and I was shaking from the pain. I told my partner that I didn't know what to do, so I went into the bath to try and calm it. I couldn't get any relief. That evening, the pain completely "erupted", forcing Francesca to A&E. Nine hours later, a doctor admitted: "I don't know what this is." For Francesca, the honesty was extremely refreshing, especially after hearing multiple doctors simply write off her condition as a common skin infection. Instead, the doctor took photos and sent them to a dermatologist for further evaluation. Days later, Francesca was informed that the dermatologist also believed that she was suffering from a form of eczema and was consequently prescribed more steroids. Trusting her diagnosis, Francesca diligently applied the cream, which only served to worsen her pain. "It burned like fire," she recounted. "I had to fan myself for the burning to ease. That went on for two weeks. The swelling lessened but the rash spread constantly." Sleep became a stranger. She was constantly hot, uncomfortable, unable to use her hands properly. Simple tasks—washing, cooking—became insurmountable. "Every time I go to bed I have to bandage up like a mummy. I can't lie completely under the duvet. It got to the point where I couldn't remember what comfort felt like." To make matters worst, a few months later, the symptoms had spread to her face. At first, small blisters appeared around her mouth, then that extended to her eyelids. Eating became painful, her face burned constantly, and ice packs became a permanent fixture. "Even my nephews and nieces were scared of me - they looked at me like I was something out of a horror movie." Again, she was prescribed steroids for her face. "Knowing what I do now, I can't believe I actually put it on my face... it's mad." Her life unravelled. An avid rock climber and wellness professional, Francesca found herself unable to move without excruciating pain. By January 2025, the suffering continued unabated. "I couldn't wear clothes touching affected areas because it would burn. I struggled to work because the pain would become too much; taking breaks after every two patients just to rest and manage the symptoms. I stopped going into shops because people stared. I became a shell of myself." That relentless pain, isolation, and unpredictability of her condition also took a severe toll on her mental health. "I'm generally positive, but six months of this broke me. I stopped making plans because I never knew what my skin would be like that day. "It became impossible to stuff without help. Honestly, it really tested my relationship. My partner, works full time but he essentially takes care of me now. Even in the middle of night, just to help me get out of bed and change my icepacks or bandages. "It's difficult because my friends and family see just a skin condition. They don't see what happens behind closed doors." Every day, Francesca's skin sheds constantly, leaving flakes everywhere. The burning and stinging sensation never stops. It's like her skin is on fire—she experiences uncontrollable itching attacks, oozing skin, and open sores vulnerable to infection. "There's just no break from it," she said. Over months of feeling this way, Francesca continued to research - desperate to find out what was happening to her. The turning point came when she discovered ITSAN, the International Topical Steroids Awareness Network. Reading the medical symptoms and watching the educational videos was a revelation; the information mirrored her symptoms perfectly. TSW occurs when the skin becomes dependent on steroids, and withdrawal causes severe, painful inflammation, itching, and skin damage. Despite being estimated to affect 15% of steroid users, it remains largely unknown among doctors. The relief of finally having a name for her condition—and a community of people going through the same ordeal—was immense. She shared: "Seeing others who looked like me helped my mental health more than anything." Looking back, Francesca realises her initial symptoms were likely a fungal infection—not eczema or psoriasis—and she never should have been prescribed steroids in the first place. "When I first went to the doctor, I also had bad dandruff, which would've hinted towards a fungal infection but this wasn't even considered," she claimed. "Had I been properly diagnosed, I would have been over it within four weeks. It's heartbreaking to think about." However, now fully aware of her condition, Francesca has discovered a promising treatment that could give her "life back". Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) Therapy is a non-invasive therapy that reduces inflammation, kills harmful bacteria, stimulates skin repair, and helps restore the skin barrier—a potential lifeline for TSW patients. The catch? The medical-grade CAP therapy is only available in three places worldwide: Singapore, Bangkok, and the UK. "I immediately called the UK branch in Winchester but was informed that there was no immediate availability," she said. "They were able to put me on a waitlist, but there was no indication of when they would be free." In her desperation, Francesca contacted the clinic in Bangkok, which confirmed her diagnosis. "They asked me to send over my medical history, to see the potency of the steroids and the length of time I had been using them. "From that, they estimated that my recovery without CAP could take up to two years. With the treatment, my skin would return to normal within six months. "Hearing that it could be two years before I was myself again — that was a real kick in the teeth. It made me even more determined to get this treatment." The caveat of it all was that Francesca would have to relocate to Bangkok for four to six months; which as a self-employed health professional, was impossible. "There are thousands of people like me who have had to go and live in these countries for this treatment. I tried to reason staying a month, but they said that by the time I settled to the change of climate, it would be pointless." Thankfully, in the weeks between, a spot has opened up in the UK. Francesca is about to start six months of weekly sessions, each costing £180–£270. She shared that the financial burden has pushed her to set up a GoFundMe, which has so far raised over £2,000—something Francesca can barely believe. The link can be found here. "It has meant the absolute world to me. I was so nervous when I first set up this page, to show people these pictures of me. I didn't know what to expect. "But it has been unbelievable to see the amount of support. It is emotional for me to think about these people—many of whom I've never even met—wanting to help me get my life back." To add to the cost, Francesca has to take into account travel and accommodation. The clinic is four hours away, too far and risky for public transport due to infection. She'll need overnight stays and a companion to drive and support her, as fatigue from treatments will force her to cut back work drastically. "It's hard to ask for help, and I feel embarrassed. But I've reached the point where I have to try. I can't do this alone—though it often feels like I have been, during this ordeal." Her income has dropped sharply, and every day feels like scaling a mountain she never expected to climb. Yet, despite the exhaustion and pain, Francesca's spirit refuses to break. She's determined to turn her suffering into strength — to not only fight for herself but to shine a light on this misunderstood condition. "TSW stole two years of my life. I want people to know about it so no one else has to suffer in silence or feel as lost and alone as I did." Her dream is simple, yet profound: to wake up not thinking about her skin, to fall asleep without wrapping herself in bandages, to wear clothes that she wants to wear — to look in the mirror and recognise herself. "It brings tears to my eyes to even think about it. I want to live without the constant fear of flare-ups, without the isolation and the pain that takes over everything." Francesca knows the road ahead will be tough. But with the treatment, the support of strangers turned friends, and her own fierce resilience, she holds onto the hope that one day soon, this chapter will end, and a new one will begin.
Wales Online
19 hours ago
- Wales Online
This Cardiff GP has been advertising expensive health pills. There are serious concerns over what he's doing
This Cardiff GP has been advertising expensive health pills. There are serious concerns over what he's doing The NHS is looking into concerns over Dr Paul O'Connell's activities after an investigation by WalesOnline Cardiff GP Dr Paul O'Connell (Image: WalesOnline ) A Cardiff GP has been accused of fronting "dangerous" social media ads for health supplements. Dr Paul O'Connell, a locum GP registered with Cardiff and Vale University health board, is a co-founder of a company called Nutritional Sciences Ltd (trading as Physical Nutrition) though he is not a director. In 2023 the business made £961,377 in profit, well up from the previous year's £246,044. But we can reveal there are serious concerns over videos promoting the firm's supplements on social media. The videos often start with a scrubs-donning Dr O'Connell making a striking claim, such as that eating cereal "causes you joint pain", before a 20-minute spiel that concludes with the benefits of the firm's pills. The products include a "blood sugar formula" and supplements for "prostate health" and "joint health" — but we have spoken to experts with fierce criticisms, ranging from questionable ingredients to "dangerously misleading" claims in ads. The NHS told us it is reviewing the concerns over Dr O'Connell's conduct. Dr O'Connell, 53, denied wrongdoing and a Physical Nutrition spokesman said: "We take our regulatory responsibilities very seriously, and ensure that all claims we make about our products are scientifically supported.' The 'blood sugar formula' Our investigation into the company began after we were contacted by a concerned GP, Dr John Cormack — based in Essex, some 200 miles from Dr O'Connell — about adverts that kept flashing up on his Facebook feed. Article continues below Dr Cormack was troubled by videos advertising the company's Gluco Support supplement, priced at £69.95 for 90 pills, which are claimed to help customers "maintain healthy blood sugar levels" using "superfood" ingredients. The videos' characters described health episodes such as collapsing at a wedding because of "spiking" blood sugar, and how the product had changed their lives. Although the footage did not mention the word "diabetes", Dr Cormack feared people could interpret the product as capable of treating diabetes. A "dangerous" example, he felt, was a video that claimed Dr O'Connell had "discovered a way of controlling your blood sugar level without mad exercising, dieting or even painful injections". Dr Cormack felt this could lead to diabetics thinking they could stop taking insulin injections. He was alarmed to see one Facebook user had commented on the video: "Do you quit diabetic medication when using this medicine?" Cardiff GP Dr Paul O'Connell (Image: WalesOnline ) The lawyers representing Dr O'Connell said he had "never made claims around diabetes". They argued that fainting at a wedding could be caused by a "wide range of issues" and that the mention of "painful injections" was actually a reference to the "potentially dangerous practice of using weight loss GLP-1 injections". He would never advise patients to stop taking insulin, the solicitors added. But WalesOnline found an advert with a tagline that described Dr O'Connell as a "leading diabetes expert". The firm's lawyers told us this ad would be removed and that it was a mistake by a marketing employee who had gone against the firm's guidelines, which would be "reiterated" to staff. Next we found wording on the Physical Nutrition website that specifically aimed its blood sugar product at "diabetic" people, telling them "it doesn't have to be this way" and "it couldn't be easier to take back control of your health". Physical Nutrition accepted this "ought never to have been published". Its lawyers told us our enquiries had prompted it to "urgently review its marketing materials", leading to the discovery of ads which "would never have been approved by the senior management". Dr O'Connell's lawyers, meanwhile, said he wasn't aware of the diabetes references and did not endorse them. Secrets of the salamander A range of past scenarios involving Dr O'Connell were used to promote the company's "joint health" supplement, Activ8 Joint Complete. In one video he can be seen wearing black leathers, sprawled on a road after what he describes as a motorbike crash. He tells how the accident left him with chronic joint pain so he carried out research to create Activ8, a 90-capsule bottle of which costs £69.95. In a different video he describes experiencing long-term joint pain after a pedal cycle accident. In another he tells of chronic pain from a "nasty car crash". When we asked Dr O'Connell how many road accidents he had been in, his lawyers responded there had been "a number of significant accidents and numerous more minor accidents". In one video Dr O'Connell was described as a "joint health specialist". When we asked if this was true, the GP's lawyers said he wasn't aware he had been characterised in this way and did not endorse it. But the description, we pointed out, came from his own voiceover. Cardiff GP Dr Paul O'Connell (Image: WalesOnline ) Dr O'Connell said he did not recall using the term "specialist" but did consider himself a joint expert, having previously led teams that gave "electrical stimulation to neurologically impaired patients who suffered from foot drop". His lawyers added that he also carried out an audit on preventing blood clots in joint replacement surgery, and worked with orthopaedic surgeons when he was a foundation doctor. The videos told how Dr O'Connell's "battle with joint pain" led him to remedies derived from "secrets of the salamander", an amphibian which has the ability to regenerate its tail. But last June these videos led to an Advertising Standards Authority ruling against the company, which had failed to engage with the watchdog during its investigation. The ASA found breaches of the advertising code with statements that "a self-healing mechanism can reverse YEARS of arthritis and joint damage" and that cartilage can "regrow just like hair and nails", implying a food supplement could treat human disease. It also found no evidence to support the company's claim that Dr O'Connell was the NHS' "leading joint expert". Physical Nutrition told us it stood by its claims about Activ8 — pointing to Duke University research suggesting humans have an "inner salamander capacity" — but that nevertheless it agreed to take down the videos. Yet, nearly a year on from the ruling, we found the firm still had videos on its social media suggesting the supplement could help regrow cartilage. When we put this to the business, it said the footage had been "missed in a sweep" after the ruling, and would be removed. We then pointed out there were still claims about "supporting cartilage regrowth" on the website. Again, the firm accepted this "ought not to have remained live" and that "the standards of its marketing team's work fell below those acceptable". It vowed to restrain "sales puff" and bring in "a more robust quality control regimen". The scathing verdict of a rheumatologist We asked award-winning consultant rheumatologist Dr Wendy Holden — who is medical advisor to the Arthritis Action charity — her thoughts on Activ8 itself, which the firm claims to be a "clinically proven" joint health formula. Dr Holden was damning in her assessment of the pills' ingredients. "Collagen is digested in the gut and metabolised to glucose just as any protein is, so collagen taken by mouth cannot somehow magic itself into the joints, whatever the claims," she said. She also questioned the claim that oral hyaluronic acid could help with joint pain given that, "like collagen, it will be digested and doesn't travel straight to the joints". Dr Holden pointed out that other ingredients, glucosamine and chondroitin, had been assessed by the UK medical body NICE as potential relief for arthritis symptoms — and the latest guidance states: "Do not recommend the use of chondroitin, glucosamine." She added: "The most worrying implied claim for me, though, is that Activ8 will somehow help with cartilage regeneration. Duke University has shown that humans have molecules similar to those found in salamanders, which may be important in cartilage regeneration, but there is absolutely no evidence that anything in Activ8 can influence these substances, and this whole topic is very much at the basic science stage. "I suspect any benefits from patient testimonials are due to the placebo effect which for pain can be as high as 30 to 40%," she said. The firm's lawyers accepted there was room for "spirited and even heated scientific debate" about the benefits of the ingredients. But they said the product was supported by systematic reviews of studies involving those ingredients, which "carry significantly more weight" than the opinions of any individual. They added: "Our client does not sell medicine, and NICE guidelines are completely irrelevant to it and its products." Dr Holden acknowledged that eggshell membrane, an ingredient, had appeared in a systematic review of seven studies on easing osteoarthritis pain. But she said all were "low quality for a short duration and with few participants", and that any such benefits "would definitely not agree with conventional medical thinking". Dr O'Connell, meanwhile, denied ever claiming cartilage can be entirely regrown. His lawyers also pointed to a "substantial number of positive reviews" on the website and the offer of a 90-day refund. 'Dangerous' prostate health video Physical Nutrition also sells a "men's health" supplement, 'Protect + Perform', which it says helps "maintain a healthy prostate" at a price of £69.95 for 60 pills. When we showed one of its adverts — which the firm says is no longer in use — to the Prostate Cancer UK charity, it was disturbed. In the video, Dr O'Connell warns of "record rates of prostate problems" such as loss of bladder control, then another man's voiceover goes on to say: "It's no wonder so few men get checked, but what if there were a way to beat these problems from the comfort of your own home?" Spotting prostate problems too late "can be fatal", adds the voiceover, continuing: "Prostate cancer now kills more people than breast cancer." Prostate Cancer UK felt the video could lead to men thinking supplements were an adequate alternative to getting tested for prostate cancer. The Essex GP, Dr Cormack, had the same concern. "Research that is about something non-cancerous is presented and conflated with cancer, which is dangerously misleading," Prostate Cancer UK's assistant director of health improvement, Amy Rylance, told us. Physical Nutrition's lawyers defended the video, saying it warned against the problem of "under-investigating prostate health" and that it "makes no claims that its supplements are a suitable alternative to medical care". They said the footage was used between January 2023 and October 2024 but not since then. Logos used 'without permission' On webpages promoting Physical Nutrition's products, there was a curious positioning of the logos of the Guardian, Independent and Sky News above a picture of Dr O'Connell thoughtfully holding a finger to his head. We repeatedly asked the firm why it displayed those logos, without any answer. It was only when we contacted each news outlet — and each told us they had not licensed their logo for such use — that Physical Nutrition's lawyers responded. "At all material times our client believed that it was permitted to use the logos of publications/broadcasters with whom it had advertising agreements," said the solicitors, who added that an internal investigation was underway to check this was correct. Even if there had been permission, wouldn't the logos have risked misleading people that there'd been positive coverage from the news outlets, rather than just advertising? Physical Nutrition did not respond to this question. O'Connell denied being aware of the logos' use. What action is being taken? The ASA told us there appeared to be "ongoing problems" with Physical Nutrition's ads. The matter has been passed to the watchdog's compliance team for "follow-up enforcement action", it said. "Compliance are still actively working with the advertiser in relation to their non-compliant advertising and will decide to take firmer action should that not result in this advertiser making the required amendments," said the ASA's spokesman. "Further action may result in sanctions being applied against this advertiser." The "ongoing problems" are a symptom of regulatory toothlessness, according to Les James, a retired clinical research scientist and a trustee of the HealthSense charity, which campaigns for evidence-based healthcare. "The problem with the ASA is that, although it is by far the most rigorous of the regulators I know, it only operates a voluntary code," he said. "When it says it can apply sanctions, these actually have no legal force, so non-compliant advertisers can take no notice whatsoever. "The ASA refers to their legal backstop Trading Standards, but at HealthSense we have done research on that and found that there simply are no adequate resources for this to be effective. Trading Standards offices typically have only a handful of people, often as few as three. "The deal that the ASA has with Trading Standards is that, first of all, non-compliant advertisers are placed on the naughty step, but this can take several months or years to happen. Once it does, advertisers can sit on the list for years." Physical Nutrition — whose directors run various other health businesses, including the multimillion-pound Malaberg Ltd — told us through its lawyers that it was unaware of any follow-up enforcement action. What the NHS says A spokeswoman for Cardiff and Vale health board told us: 'Dr Paul O'Connell is listed as a locum GP on the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board medical performers list. While the concerns raised are in relation to Dr O'Connell's private work, the health board will review and consider the concerns raised in line with our standard procedures.' The lawyers representing Dr O'Connell said: "Our client is clear that he has recently been working as a regular NHS locum GP and fully intends to continue to work as a GP when locum work is available." Asked if he would continue working with Physical Nutrition, his lawyers said the relationship "will be kept under review, as it has been until now (and as with any professional relationship)". Article continues below At the time of writing, Physical Nutrition's Facebook page is not visible because it has been reviewing its marketing since we raised concerns, its lawyers said. A spokesman for Physical Nutrition said: "Gluco Support, Activ8, and Perform + Protect, as with all of our supplements, were formulated off the back of an extensive body of research from world-leading biomedical scientists, academics, and researchers at some of the world's most prestigious institutions." If you know of a story we should be investigating, email us at
Wales Online
21 hours ago
- Wales Online
My skin is constantly on fire and I look like a burns victim because of a common cream, this might last years
My skin is constantly on fire and I look like a burns victim because of a common cream, this might last years "I looked like a burn victim... even my nephews and nieces were scared of me - they looked at me like I was something out of a horror movie" Francesca Tebbutt from Pembrokeshire, is living with a relentless condition that has stolen two years of her life (Image: Francesca Tebbutt ) When Francesca Tebbutt first noticed a few red marks on her arm, she thought little of it. A bit of irritation, maybe a minor rash; nothing that couldn't be sorted with a quick trip to the doctor. That was over two years ago. Now, the 33-year-old from Clunderwen, Pembrokeshire, is living with a relentless, little-known condition that has stolen more than just her skin's health. It's taken her independence, her career, and a big part of who she is. Diagnosed with Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW), Francesca endures a severe reaction to the steroid creams prescribed to treat her rash—creams that instead triggered a nightmare. Her skin is a battlefield: burning, flaking, weeping, and swelling without warning. At her worst, even moving her arms, putting on clothes, or stepping into the shower becomes unbearable. "Water feels like battery acid on my skin," she says. "I have to take salt baths just to be able to tolerate it. This is my new normal." Throughout winter, she couldn't ever wear a coat, not because she didn't want to, but because the slightest touch of fabric set her skin ablaze. "I couldn't even sit still without pain. That's when I knew something wasn't right." Francesca shared that throughout her childhood and teen years, she was often complimented for her clear skin (Image: Francesca Tebbutt ) Article continues below Rewind to March 2023. Francesca had noticed three small round red marks on the inside of her left arm by her elbow, which were mildly irritating. Having never experienced a skin condition and blessed with clear skin throughout her childhood, she was left puzzled. "Looking back, it was nothing compared to the pain I feel now," Francesca shared regretfully. "Honestly I wish I could turn back time, especially now knowing what I know." By May, when the marks hadn't disappeared, she decided to bite the bullet and visit her doctor. Upon inspection, Francesca was told that it was likely psoriasis or eczema and given topical steroid cream; a very common prescription. Francesca said that initiall, the treatment had worked, but within weeks the rash returned—worse and spreading. Stronger steroids were prescribed, but the pattern repeated itself. Each time the steroids would clear the rash, but come back multiplied and more aggressive. "I was trapped in this vicious cycle: steroid cream, temporary relief, then a flare worse than before," Francesca explains. By January 2024, after months of steroid use, Francesca decided to stop the medication and see what happened. The response was immediate and devastating. Within that same month, Francesca said that her arms were swollen beyond recognition. She couldn't exercise her wrists and was in agonising pain. She described the inflammation as extremely intense—burning, oozing, and unrelenting. She recalls, "One day, I got home from work and I was shaking from the pain. I told my partner that I didn't know what to do, so I went into the bath to try and calm it. I couldn't get any relief. "I knew something was up. It just didn't sit right." Stay informed on the latest health news by signing up to our newsletter here That evening, the pain completely "erupted", forcing Francesca to A&E. Nine hours later, a doctor admitted: "I don't know what this is." For Francesca, the honesty was extremely refreshing, especially after hearing multiple doctors simply write off her condition as a common skin infection. Instead, the doctor took photos and sent them to a dermatologist for further evaluation. Days later, Francesca was informed that the dermatologist also believed that she was suffering from a form of eczema and was consequently prescribed more steroids. Trusting her diagnosis, Francesca diligently applied the cream, which only served to worsen her pain. "It burned like fire," she recounted. "I had to fan myself for the burning to ease. That went on for two weeks. The swelling lessened but the rash spread constantly." Sleep became a stranger. She was constantly hot, uncomfortable, unable to use her hands properly. Simple tasks—washing, cooking—became insurmountable. "Every time I go to bed I have to bandage up like a mummy. I can't lie completely under the duvet. It got to the point where I couldn't remember what comfort felt like." Francesca is restricted from menial tasks such as washing up and chopping vegetables (Image: Francesca Tebbutt ) To make matters worst, a few months later, the symptoms had spread to her face. At first, small blisters appeared around her mouth, then that extended to her eyelids. Eating became painful, her face burned constantly, and ice packs became a permanent fixture. "I looked like a burn victim," she says. "Even my nephews and nieces were scared of me - they looked at me like I was something out of a horror movie." Again, she was prescribed steroids for her face. "Knowing what I do now, I can't believe I actually put it on my face... it's mad." Francesca "retreated" within herself, embarrassed to go to the shops or see her family (Image: Francesca Tebbutt ) Her life unravelled. An avid rock climber and wellness professional, Francesca found herself unable to move without excruciating pain. By January 2025, the suffering continued unabated. "I couldn't wear clothes touching affected areas because it would burn. I struggled to work because the pain would become too much; taking breaks after every two patients just to rest and manage the symptoms. I stopped going into shops because people stared. I became a shell of myself." That relentless pain, isolation, and unpredictability of her condition also took a severe toll on her mental health. "I'm generally positive, but six months of this broke me. I stopped making plans because I never knew what my skin would be like that day. "It became impossible to stuff without help. Honestly, it really tested my relationship. My partner, works full time but he essentially takes care of me now. Even in the middle of night, just to help me get out of bed and change my icepacks or bandages. "It's difficult because my friends and family see just a skin condition. They don't see what happens behind closed doors." Every day, Francesca's skin sheds constantly, leaving flakes everywhere. The burning and stinging sensation never stops. It's like her skin is on fire—she experiences uncontrollable itching attacks, oozing skin, and open sores vulnerable to infection. "There's just no break from it," she said. Over months of feeling this way, Francesca continued to research - desperate to find out what was happening to her. The turning point came when she discovered ITSAN, the International Topical Steroids Awareness Network. Reading the medical symptoms and watching the educational videos was a revelation; the information mirrored her symptoms perfectly. Francesca has been diagnosed with Topical Steroid Withdrawal, a severe reaction to the steroid creams (Image: Francesca Tebbutt ) TSW occurs when the skin becomes dependent on steroids, and withdrawal causes severe, painful inflammation, itching, and skin damage. Despite being estimated to affect 15% of steroid users, it remains largely unknown among doctors. The relief of finally having a name for her condition—and a community of people going through the same ordeal—was immense. She shared: "Seeing others who looked like me helped my mental health more than anything." Looking back, Francesca realises her initial symptoms were likely a fungal infection—not eczema or psoriasis—and she never should have been prescribed steroids in the first place. "When I first went to the doctor, I also had bad dandruff, which would've hinted towards a fungal infection but this wasn't even considered," she claimed. "Had I been properly diagnosed, I would have been over it within four weeks. It's heartbreaking to think about." However, now fully aware of her condition, Francesca has discovered a promising treatment that could give her "life back". Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) Therapy is a non-invasive therapy that reduces inflammation, kills harmful bacteria, stimulates skin repair, and helps restore the skin barrier—a potential lifeline for TSW sufferers. The catch? The medical-grade CAP therapy is only available in three places worldwide: Singapore, Bangkok, and the UK. "I immediately called the UK branch in Winchester but was informed that there was no immediate availability," she said. "They were able to put me on a waitlist, but there was no indication of when they would be free." In her desperation, Francesca contacted the clinic in Bangkok, which confirmed her diagnosis. "They asked me to send over my medical history, to see the potency of the steroids and the length of time I had been using them. "From that, they estimated that my recovery without CAP could take up to two years. With, my skin would return to normal within six months. "Hearing that it could be two years before I was myself again — that was a real kick in the teeth. It made me even more determined to get this treatment." The caveat of it all was that Francesca would have to relocate to Bangkok for four to six months; which as a self-employed health professional, was impossible. "There are thousands of people like me who have had to go and live in these countries for this treatment. I tried to reason staying a month, but they said that by the time I settled to the change of climate, it would be pointless." Thankfully, in the weeks between, a spot has opened up in the UK. Francesca is about to start six months of weekly sessions, each costing £180–£270. She shared that the financial burden has pushed her to set up a GoFundMe, which has so far raised over £2,000—something Francesca can barely believe. The link can be found here. "It has meant the absolute world to me. I was so nervous when I first set up this page, to show people these pictures of me. I didn't know what to expect. "But it has been unbelievable to see the amount of support. It is emotional for me to think about these people—many of whom I've never even met—wanting to help me get my life back." To add to the cost, Francesca has to take into account travel and accommodation. The clinic is four hours away, too far and risky for public transport due to infection. She'll need overnight stays and a companion to drive and support her, as fatigue from treatments will force her to cut back work drastically. "It's hard to ask for help, and I feel embarrassed. But I've reached the point where I have to try. I can't do this alone—though it often feels like I have been, during this ordeal." Her income has dropped sharply, and every day feels like scaling a mountain she never expected to climb. Yet, despite the exhaustion and pain, Francesca's spirit refuses to break. She's determined to turn her suffering into strength — to not only fight for herself but to shine a light on this misunderstood condition. "TSW stole two years of my life. I want people to know about it so no one else has to suffer in silence or feel as lost and alone as I did." Her dream is simple, yet profound: to wake up not thinking about her skin, to fall asleep without wrapping herself in bandages, to wear clothes that she wants to wear — to look in the mirror and recognise herself. "It brings tears to my eyes to even think about it. I want to live without the constant fear of flare-ups, without the isolation and the pain that takes over everything." Francesca knows the road ahead will be tough. But with the treatment, the support of strangers turned friends, and her own fierce resilience, she holds onto the hope that one day soon, this chapter will end, and a new one will begin. Article continues below
