For those of you that have been following my blog I know what you’re thinking, “Noooooo! You went back to steroids??” Yes…yes I did. It took a long time for me to come to this decision, but after research, prayer, and more research, I decided to take the next step in my healing by trying the The Aron Regimen. For this post I decided to do something new and something I’ve been afraid of doing for a while (#doitafraid). I recorded a video on July 26 explaining my experience with moisture withdrawal and why I decided to return to steroids. So YAY for my first vlog entry!!! I explain everything in the video, but for those of you who prefer to read, I’ve posted a recap below. In my last post, I talked about my experience returning to moisture withdrawal, and abandoning it once and for all after learning about the damage staph infection was having on my skin. A lot of what I learned about staph infection was from Dr. Richard Aron’s website. Dr. Aron resides in South Africa and has been treating Atopic Eczema for years. From his website: “I believe that the single most important factor causing the inflammation in Atopic Eczema and contributing to flares is the presence of bacterial infection (Staphylococcus Aureus) in a large percentage of cases. A common flaw in conventional therapy is the use of potent steroids in short bursts followed by so called steroid holidays. This results in eczema rebound on a regular basis. The Aron Regimen uses significantly diluted steroids for longer periods. The steroid dilution allows for more frequent mixture application with reductions when control is achieved. This reduces the potential for rebound. The steroid component of the mixture works by reducing inflammation, the antibiotic component by eliminating bacterial infection which aggravates the inflammation and the moisturising component by allowing dilution of the steroid so that the positive outcome does not depend on steroid potency.” Like I explained in my previous post, my skin was on a roller coaster ride this summer. Natural remedies for staph infection were very helpful for me, but my skin only got better to a certain point and really needed further help. I spent months researching, and after reading the countless success stories of adults, children and babies, I began to take a more serious look at the Aron Regimen as an option for myself. It broke my heart to see the pictures of babies with severe eczema all over their bodies and to read about the families whose lives were dedicated to tending to their children's health. People with extremely severe eczema, much worse than mine, appeared to be totally healed on the Aron Regimen. Please check out the Facebook and Instagram pages showcasing Dr. Aron's patients' progress. After months of flares, flaking, and unrest, I decided to give the Aron Regimen a shot. This was an extremely difficult decision for me to make, considering the fact that I often referred to steroids as the devil, but this is not returning to the same fruitless steroid pattern. The conventional method of steroid use consists of flare, application of steroids, another flare, more steroids, etc. The Aron Regimen, as stated above, consists of Steroids and antiobiotic diluted in moisturizer, which allows for more frequent applications that will be tapered down as the body heals. This is a long term plan for healing that improves quality of life while also reducing the dependency on steroids. Many people on the Aron Regimen get down to one application a week or go into remission altogether.
Another reason I was reluctant to try the Aron Regimen was how open I've been about my natural healing journey on the blog. I spent a long time worried about what people would think or say, because I'm going back to medications and ditching the natural healing journey I've been preaching about. I finally came to the realization that I have to do what's best for me. When I first moved back home, TSW was affecting me internally and externally. I stayed home and I did my odd jobs to make money when I was able. I wasn't performing onstage or in front of the camera, and I had time to go through the ugly stages, the discomfort, and the healing process. Now, my energy levels are up, I'm able to be more active and I've been afforded the opportunity to work at multiple theatres in the Seattle area and dabble in film. I've done three shows and a handful of film projects while going through TSW, and my skin posed obstacles for each project. Of course my skin flaring during these projects wasn't the end of the world, but I got to a point where I was ready for a better quality of life. My healing process had become stagnant, by my life was moving forward, so I made the decision that suited my lifestyle. This whole experience has taught me that healing doesn't come the way we think it will. I jumped into TSW blindly without doing the proper research and learning what I was about to go through. I was so determined to not have eczema and heal naturally that I didn't consider my options or what the best course of action would be. I tried to will eczema out of my body. Now I know that eczema is a part of who I am. Not to say that I will never be completely free from it, because I do still believe that, but eczema has shaped my experiences, the way I view the world, and the way I view myself. It is an integral part of my identity that I can't deny. I used to wish that it wasn't, but now I appreciate the lessons it's taught me and the strength it's built within me. Most people hear eczema and think, "oh your skin breaks out a little bit," but it's so much deeper than that. Eczema tests you mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. If you're reading this and you're struggling with eczema or Topical Steroid Withdrawal, I pray for your peace of mind and spirit in your journey. Eczema comes with daily obstacles, but always remember that whatever you're going through is only going to make you stronger. Whatever obstacles you're facing now are preparing you for what's to come in the future. You are being equipped for life by your current circumstances. I also encourage you to research, research, research! Decide if TSW is the right course of action for you or if the Aron Regimen would be a better fit. Take the time to learn all the facts. Consider your life and goals and what you are willing to do to heal your body. Your healing journey should be specifically catered and designed for you. I went through TWS for almost 22 months, and my body experienced amazing healing, but now it's time to take my healing to the next level. This doesn't mean I'm going to abandon the healthy habits I've developed or stop blogging. I still believe in natural remedies and healing through diet, as I am living proof that it makes a difference. Now I'm choosing to combine natural healing methods with more conventional methods to heal my body further. I am still on the journey and I'm going to share with you every step of the way, not only the progress of my skin, but the emotional journey as well. And I'll continue with the recipes and other topics I explore on the blog. Thank you for rocking with me on the journey this far and I look forward to what's to come. Stay tuned friends! Much love.
11 Comments
V
10/12/2016 04:28:04 am
You look amazing!!! This new steroid treatment mixed with natural remedies looks like it's working! Keep it up!!
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Lauren
10/13/2016 03:14:46 pm
Thanks Valeka! I'll be posting an update soon.
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Sophie
10/12/2016 08:30:06 pm
Thank you so much for sharing your experience!! Gleaning a lot from them!! God bless you abundantly!!
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Lauren
10/13/2016 03:15:37 pm
No problem! I'll continue to share. God bless you friend!
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Lauren
10/13/2016 03:16:53 pm
Thank you J! It was a really hard decision to make, but like you said, it was the best decision for me.
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Saki
10/19/2016 04:00:16 pm
I found your website last week!! So encouraging and I've devices I'd give a go with dr aron. He's not taking new patients till January but I'm super excited about it. Good luck with ur healing and looking forward to the next blog❤️
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Lauren
12/27/2016 08:24:13 pm
Saki, so sorry for my late response. I'm glad you decided to go with Dr. Aron. It's finally brought some relief to my life. I'm not 100% healed, but I know it's a process and it's going to get better. Let me know how it goes once you start your treatment!
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Precious
11/24/2016 10:51:35 pm
I am so glad you found what works for you! appreciate you sharing!
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Lauren
12/27/2016 08:24:38 pm
Thanks Precious! Thanks for reading!
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Nida
7/13/2019 04:48:04 am
May you share the component of the treatment?this will help those like me who cannot see the doctor, but suffering. I’m sure you understand reasons for my request.
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I'm Lauren, aka Just Du Pree, and I want to thank you for reading. This is a space where I share my very personal journey healing from eczema and topical steroid withdrawal (among other things), life lessons I've learned along the way, and occasionally the thoughts of an awkward Black girl (no Issa Rae). I'm a performer and filmmaker, so if you feel so inclined, pop over here to see what goes on in my mind on the regular. If you like what you see, you can stay up to date with my work here. Much love, friends!
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