When I developed TSW, my world completely turned upside down. I was pregnant, working as a GP, and a mother to a 2½-year-old. I had eczema from a young age, and with steroid creams, I had usually been able to keep my symptoms under control—until my body made it clear that something else was going on. There was a different story behind my symptoms than anyone had realized.

There were clear signs that something was wrong. The prescribed creams no longer helped, my symptoms changed into something I didn’t recognize as my usual eczema. The skin problems kept spreading and barely responded to treatments. That’s when my journey began, which eventually led to an intense and challenging process: TSW.

It felt like everything was hitting me at once: the deep, unbearable itching, burning skin pain, and sleepless nights. But even more than the physical symptoms, it was the uncertainty, the unpredictability, and the lack of recognition or guidance that weighed heavily. It was a tough and sometimes lonely battle. I discovered just how limited the knowledge and support for TSW in the Netherlands really was. It was exactly what I needed most at the time.

That’s why I wanted to create a place where people are truly heard, understood, and supported, so no one has to go through this process alone. Even while I was still in the middle of my own recovery, I began carefully building something I had so desperately missed: a place of recognition, support, and professional guidance for people with TSW.

TSW Clinic grew gradually, and we’ve learned so much from our clients, always keeping safety and personalized care at the forefront. Now, I have the privilege of supporting people with TSW every day, not only with medical expertise but, more importantly, with genuine human connection. That gives me immense satisfaction, not just as a doctor, but as someone who truly knows what it feels like.

From a young age, I suffered from skin problems and used steroid creams for many years. Over time, I noticed that the creams became less effective and I needed increasingly stronger ointments. At a certain point, I decided to stop applying them, which resulted in me developing TSW.

During my own recovery process, I came into contact with Kirsty and TSW Clinic, where I also received treatment. Thanks to the treatments and the valuable advice, I have now largely recovered. For me, it has also been incredibly valuable to go through my recovery in the Netherlands, in my own surroundings, with my partner, family, and friends close by.

Precisely because I have experienced how tough TSW can be and how powerless it can make you feel—but also how much of a difference the right guidance and treatments can make—I decided to dedicate myself to helping others with TSW. I strongly believe that together we can support many more people.