Maria’s TSW Journey: How CAP Treatment Helped Her Heal After Years of Pain
“I realized that the root cause of my skin problems was fungal infection.”
For a long time I lived inside a body I barely recognized. Before CAP, my skin hurt constantly. I was itchy day and night, exhausted, confused and lonely. I kept asking myself, “Is this eczema? Is this TSW? Why is this happening to me?” Nothing made sense and nothing brought real relief.
My First Steps: Beginning CAP Treatment in Bangkok
When I started Cold Atmospheric Plasma at the CAP Clinic TSW Solution in Thailand, my healing didn’t happen fast. My skin needed months before it showed real changes. But what I gained immediately was understanding.
For the first time, someone helped me see what my skin was actually fighting. I learned that a fungal infection had been behind many of my symptoms, becoming more visible only after stopping steroids. Starting anti-fungal treatment finally brought clarity, like a light coming on in a dark room.
“I was doubting if CAP worked on me”
Bangkok became much more than a place for treatment. I spent eight months there. I met people who understood what I was going through. Supported by the kindest clinic team, especially Shanti and Jay I could talk with them for hours. Even on days when I doubted everything, I never felt alone. I felt TSW gave me a lot of pain but also it gave me friends like Tatiana we spend such a fun time together.
And for months, I scratched my legs open without knowing why, until I discovered it was my perfumed sofa at home. The day I moved it outside, the wounds finally started to heal.
These experiences taught me something important: TSW skin reacts to the smallest triggers. Healing often starts with removing irritants.
Daily life during early CAP was incredibly hard. I woke up scratching. I used ice packs every night. I bandaged my arms and legs before bed for the first ten months. I used a roller so I wouldn’t tear my skin apart with my nails. Every wound was cleaned with saline. Every day felt like survival.
Why I Continued My Journey in Bali
“I had been waiting for the Bali clinic to open since my first months of TSW”
I had been waiting for the Bali clinic to open since my first months of TSW, so when it finally happened, I was genuinely relieved. I was amazed by how big the clinic is and how professionally everything is organized for TSW patients. An irritant-free space, its own laundry service, a shower, and a medical team of doctors and nurses that truly supports you.
“Treatment days quickly became the best days of my week”
Treatment days quickly became the best days of my week. CAP calmed my itch, helped me sleep and made me feel more like myself again. Slowly, my skin began to change: My wounds closed. The infections cleared. The itch became manageable. I could shower without pain. My skin became softer, stronger and more elastic.
And Bali itself helped more than I could have imagined. The climate is gentle, the ocean feels healing, and my skin responded beautifully to the environment.
The Healing that really Mattered
Through all of this, I stopped chasing extreme diets, detoxes and miracle cures. None of them helped me.
My healing came from:
Understanding irritants
Treating infections
Being in the right environment
and staying consistent with CAP
This was what moved me forward. No restrictions or fear, but clarity, care and the right tools.
I also gained a community along the way. Friends in Bangkok. Friends in Bali. The Wave Skin Wellness team who supported me every step. And of course, my husband Alex. His love carried me through the moments when I felt empty, when I questioned my worth, when I didn’t recognize myself at all. Having someone believe in you, even when you can’t believe in yourself, is a kind of healing too.
A Message for Anyone Going Through TSW
“My journey wasn’t linear. It wasn’t fast. It wasn’t easy. But it was real.”
My journey wasn’t linear. It wasn’t fast. It wasn’t easy. But it was real. And every slow, painful, hopeful step brought me closer to the person I am today. Now, I’m proud of who I’ve become. Proud of my strength, my patience and my resilience. And deeply grateful for the people and places that helped me find my way back to myself.
If you are going through Topical Steroid Withdrawal, please know this:
What is happening to your skin is not your fault.
There is a healed version of you ahead.
And with the right support and CAP treatment, you do not have to walk this road alone.
Follow Maria’s Journey
If you want to follow Maria’s healing, her reflections or the way she documents life after severe TSW, you can find her here:
Instagram: @tsw.heymaruy
YouTube: youtube.com/@heymaruy
She shares her experiences openly, with a lot of honesty, softness and hope. Her story continues to inspire so many people walking the same path.
From confusion to clarity
Her journey shows the power of patience, knowledge and support. If you see yourself in her story, connect with us, share your own, or learn how CAP may help.
