Cara Ward, 28, began using strong steroid creams when she was a teenager to help control her eczema. When the creams became ineffective two years ago, the Londoner stopped treatment altogether, causing her body to develop Red Skin Syndrome, a condition where skin reddens and peels constantly because of topical steroid withdrawal.

"I was then stuck in the house for nearly two years only going out for short periods of time," Ward told the Mirror. "My whole body felt so tender that I could barely wear clothing, I was in constant pain and had this horrid burn sensation."

Caters News

Ward said she shed so constantly that her "sofas were always covered and my bed looked like it was full of sand." She was unable to work or sleep because of the condition.

In August of last year, Ward noticed her symptoms fading. According to Red Skin Syndrome Support, that fits the general timeline — most patients with RSS recover in 12 to 24 months. Ward is now able to go back to work and function normally, but she hasn't forgotten what it was like to live with the condition: "People used to double take when they saw me," she told the Mirror. "It was pretty awful."

Follow Tess on Twitter.

Tess Koman Senior Editor Tess Koman covers breaking (food) news, opinion pieces, and features on larger happenings in the food world.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io