Hundreds of individuals have contacted the BBC regarding a severe skin condition known as topical steroid withdrawal (TSW), a reaction to long-term steroid cream use that remains poorly understood and medically debated. While the UK's MHRA recognized TSW in 2021 as a reaction, it is not an officially diagnosed condition, leading to a significant disconnect between patients experiencing debilitating symptoms like open wounds and relentless itching, and medical professionals who often misdiagnose it as severe eczema. This lack of consensus and research hinders effective treatment, with some doctors admitting to potentially misprescribing steroid creams that could exacerbate TSW. Campaigners advocate for TSW to be recognized as a distinct condition to provide clarity for doctors and improve patient care, while ongoing research aims to identify underlying causes and develop diagnostic tools.