A landscape gardener is battling an unsightly and debilitating rare reaction all over his body after coming off medication for a skin condition.

Sam Beale, 30, has suffered from eczema since he was a child but his steroid cream potency was increased last year when he suffered a severe flare-up.

It was when he tried to stop applying the prescribed ointment that he started to gain symptoms of Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) which has led to his skin flaking in layers, intense itching and oozing sores.

Sam, who has been forced to give up his job at Lawn Master in Wainscott, is unable to sleep and now only goes out to walk his dog Barney near the family home in Cliffe.

Having suffered from the common skin complaint for decades, Sam had never heard of TSW until he started to research what can happen if you stop using a high-potency lotion after long-term usage.

He has now launched a Gofundme page for specialist treatment in Thailand in the knowledge that it can take months or even years to cure.

He said: “ I have now come off everything cold turkey. It’s crazy.

“It has had a terrible mental effect on me.

“I’m known as somebody who is quite confident, but this is debilitating.

“My girlfriend and I have just bought a house which needs renovation, but I’m unable to do it.”

While eczema is incurable and can only be controlled with medication, dermatologists are careful to monitor dosage, especially concerning steroid creams.

Sam is fundraising for cold atmospheric plasma therapy, a relatively new treatment also used for wounds and an alternative to traditional skin care methods.

He has a target of £11,000 which will also include his travel and accommodation expenses.

His condition worsened last summer, he believes while playing football

The keen sportsman said: “I was running around for eight weeks in the heat wearing tight nylon clothing which may have caused it.

“I have had to stop work and rarely get more than three hours sleep.

“You take the medication in good faith, but I’m not sure that all dermatologists are aware of the effects of TSW.”

Sam has since spoken to people who have had the new style treatment with favourable reviews.

TSW can also cause mental distress, as people may feel in pain and not know when it will end.

You can donate to Sam’s fundraiser here.

Medway pharmacist Ferride Karson said it was important when being prescribed medication for eczema to listen to advice and read directions.

Mr Karson, who has two chemists in Rochester,said: “ On the point of prescribing It must be made clear to use the creams sparingly.

“Steroid creams indicate the level of potency on the packaging, and how long it should administered.

“We would always say if symptoms persist go to your GP or for more information return to the pharmacy.”