Steroid – Damaged Nails
Steroid – Damaged Nails
29 y.o. female. Atopic eczema/dermatitis since childhood.
Severe nail damage due to prolonged daily topical steroid use (approx 12 years). Note pitting, deep ridges and scooped out appearance of the nail bed. The patient was unable to cease steroids because of the severe rebound she suffered whenever they were reduced.
Wheatgrass extract in a cream base was applied twice daily. Topical steroids were gradually reduced and eventually ceased altogether. There was no rebound and the nails recovered completely. No further steroid use required.
Dr. C. L. Reynolds. M.B.,B.S.
The patient’s testimonial:
I have been suffering atopy since early childhood. I saw many doctors but they gave me similar treatments; which was to apply topical steroids. I tried some folk medicines but did not find any remarkable effects and considering they were very expensive I did not continue with their use.
My eczema appeared on each joint, my palms and my fingers. Especially my fingers were in the worst condition and sometimes I could not sleep because of severe itching. Through the years the skin on my hands had become damaged and because of long-term use of the steroids my nails were in poor condition and my skin had become discolored. For a long time I had been embarrassed to show my hands.
Last year I visited Melbourne to study English. The strong sunshine and the dry climate made my condition worse. One day I visited Dr Reynolds at Swanston Clinic, whom my relatives and friends in Australia had recommended.
I assured myself that the wheatgrass spray was what I was looking for while I listened to his explanation. I was looking for a product that did not contain steroids and was safe, effective and economical.
I learnt the importance of developing my immune system and how to look after my skin. Through the discussions with Dr Reynolds and some trial and error I found an effective way of using the spray.
In the first month the effect was not so remarkable but gradually my skin began to improve. In the third month the skin became moistened and the skin colour was gradually getting close to normal. Four months after I began to use the spray I felt my nails were becoming smooth and on the sixth month my hands became beautiful. By this time I could shake hands without hesitation. I had the best condition in my life 7 months after I began to use the spray. My family was also happy to see my new hands after I returned to Japan.
I believe the benefits of using the wheatgrass products are that they are very safe, economical and effective. Also they do not have strict rules for their use.
I have been using the spray to maintain my condition. The turning point was when I saw Dr Reynolds and began to use the wheatgrass spray in Melbourne.
Lastly, I hope many people who are suffering from atopy can have the same experience. With many thanks.