Former Bachelorette Clare Crawley opened up about her private battle with Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW).
“Yesterday, I went live and finally shared something I’ve kept hidden: my journey with TSW (Topical Steroid Withdrawal),” Crawley, 44, wrote via Instagram on Friday, May 9. “For those who missed it, I just want to say — I’m still in it. I don’t have the answers. I’m not on the other side with a shiny bow tied around it. But I couldn’t keep quiet anymore.”
TSW is a severe reaction that occurs when moderate- or high-potency topical steroids are used on skin for a prolonged period, according to the National Eczema Society. It can be treated by immunosuppressant therapies or other medications.
“Speaking the truth felt terrifying … and also deeply freeing. What I once saw as something to be ashamed of — my raw skin, my struggle, my limits — has become something else entirely: a reflection of my humanness,” Crawley wrote on Friday. “I thought people would pull away. Instead, I’ve felt more connection than ever. Because we all crave realness. We all long to be seen — not just in our wins, but in our wounds.”
She added, “I’m still walking through this, moment by moment. But sharing it is part of my healing now. Thank you to everyone who reached out with love after the live. I’ll keep sharing when I can. And if you’re in the middle of something hard too, I hope this reminds you, you’re not alone 💕.”
Continuing in the comments section, Crawley revealed why it was important to share her skin struggles as an influencer.
“I can only speak for myself in the ‘Bachelor world’ side of influencing, but the MAJORITY of the time the women get judged and shredded to pieces for showing/speaking the raw and realness,” she wrote on Saturday, May 10. “Maybe they aren’t trying to show perfection, but rather keep a barrier to anything that is too personal and vulnerable so that they preserve their mental health.”
According to Crawley, showing “the realness is beautiful” and can foster a “deep connection” with her social media followers and community.
Several days earlier, Crawley shared a photo of how TSW affected her neck and arm.
“What you see vs what you don’t see,” she wrote on Thursday, May 8, alongside a pic of her flaky skin. “Thank you for being here for the authentic #TSW.”
Crawley further revealed that removing her breast implants “1000 percent” helped her condition.
“It was the steroids I used on the rashes that did this — all FROM implants,” she added.
Crawley had explant surgery to remove her implants in July 2021.
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