Jack Turner: Tweed FIFO worker’s rash spirals into ‘debilitating’ topical steroid withdrawal
A young man living in the Tweed developed a “simple rash” before treatment resulted in a “debilitating” nightmare causing “episodes of psychosis”.
A young FIFO worker living in the Tweed developed a “simple rash” before treatment resulted in a “debilitating” nightmare causing “episodes of psychosis”.
Jack Turner’s health battle began with a rash on his neck three years ago.
According to his partner Rawinia Lewis, the medication initially reduced symptoms but the rash repeatedly returned, leading to progressively stronger prescriptions.
After three years of cycling steroid creams, Mr Turner, originally from Perth, independently sought a food allergy test and discovered multiple significant allergies.
When he stopped using the topical steroid creams, his skin deteriorated rapidly, developing what is known as Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW).
TSW is thought to be caused by the skin’s reaction to the sudden absence of the steroids that had suppressed inflammation.
Mr Turner developed burning, peeling and weeping skin, ending up in the emergency room multiple times where he was administered “with oral steroids, prednisone, and antibiotics.”
The young man was evacuated from FIFO worksites due to the severity of his condition and is now taking the long-term immunosuppressive medication Rinvoq.
Ms Lewis said ongoing flare-ups and repeated courses of prednisone contributed to “episodes of psychosis”.
He hopes to eventually discontinue medication to pursue his goal of joining the Australian Defence Force as an infantry soldier which requires applicants to be medication-free.
The couple travelled from Perth to Tweed Heads seeking alternative medical support, but now face a battle to raise funds to seek treatment overseas.
Mr Turner hopes to receive treatment at a clinic in Thailand that specialises in managing TSW to receive Cold Atmospheric Therapy. It is believed that CAP Therapy is an emerging treatment for various skin conditions and wound healing.
The campaign states that the overseas program may offer Mr Turner a chance at long-term recovery.
“It brings Jack one step closer to healing, security, and the future he’s been fighting so hard for.”
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Originally published as Jack Turner: Tweed FIFO worker’s rash spirals into ‘debilitating’ topical steroid withdrawal
