A mother whose life was upended by a severe skin disorder she said was triggered by workplace exposure says she is now at breaking point, as mounting health and legal challenges threaten her family’s future.
In an update on her struggles since Barbados TODAY first published her story in 2023, Tiffany Smith is expressing despair over the fate of her young son should she die.
“I have a young son. I’m scared about what could happen if I’m not here. I’m praying for strength and a way forward, but I urgently need help,” an emotional Smith said on Wednesday.
“I’m reaching out,” she said, “because I need thorough, compassionate, and consistent medical care. My condition has gone beyond a discomfort. It’s affecting every part of my life. I’m reaching out in desperation because I don’t know where else to turn.”
Smith recalled events from the early days of her physical health condition, when her skin began peeling off, to the present time. Her ordeal began in August 2022, while working at a company selling chemical-based products.
She said: “I’d lived at my mother’s house for over 29 years without any major health issues. Although I moved out in 2015, I returned during the COVID-19 pandemic after my job was made redundant. I had my baby while living there as well and had no issues prior to taking that job.
“I’ve been struggling with these ongoing and unexplained skin issues that have significantly affected my quality of life. In an effort to improve my condition, I even relocated temporarily to the countryside in two different areas to see if a change in environment would help—but it made no difference.”
Smith said she tried sea baths as well, but the salt water worsened her skin condition by causing severe dryness and itching.
“The medications that help most during dry phases are expensive and out of reach, so I’ve had to rely on whatever the hospital can provide for free,” she said.
“Over the past two years, I’ve been prescribed steroids, immune suppressants, and countless antihistamines. My main dermatologist sees me every six months, but during severe flare-ups, I’ve had to visit the nearest polyclinic. I’ve been there so often that they suggested I consult with their dermatologist, as they could no longer continue prescribing steroids due to their long-term side effects.”
She recalled that this led her to consult another doctor, who diagnosed her with chronic psoriasis.
“I questioned how my condition could shift from what was initially described as a severe heat rash to psoriasis, especially since I could find no supporting information that shows this transition is typical. [The doctor] became upset when I reminded him that he had seen me before, but had not fully investigated my symptoms. I told him that this oversight had cost me two years of living in daily discomfort and distress.”
Smith added: “He then recommended a medication with serious potential side effects, which I’m not comfortable taking. I no longer trust his diagnosis or prescription. [Her main doctor], on the other hand, believes that [the other medical practitioner] may have over-diagnosed psoriasis in my case. That led to a skin biopsy, which ultimately confirmed that [the other doctor’s] diagnosis was incorrect.”
The woman said she has since stopped taking oral medications altogether, as they were causing new problems: vomiting, diarrhoea, recurring yeast infections, and an overall decline in how she felt.
“I believe I’ve disrupted my own system by trying too many different treatments without proper support,” she suggested.
Her health is not the only major challenge she is experiencing.
She announced that she is also struggling to financially maintain her legal battle against her former employer.
“The lawyer handling my case is now asking for more money to file it in court,” Smith said. “My limitation period expires in October, and the insurance company still isn’t responding. I’ve taken a low-income job just to try and pay him, but things have taken a serious turn.”
On March 23, she was hospitalised for inflammation in her lungs.
“Since then, I’ve been in and out of hospital without clear answers. My legs go numb constantly, on and off. I’ve been prescribed steroids and painkillers just to manage daily life, and the pain is growing worse. I recently underwent a skin biopsy. It was extremely painful, and the results showed severe inflammation and rapid skin cell turnover.”
She revealed that her main doctor has now diagnosed her with chronic allergic contact dermatitis, which is caused by repeated exposure to an allergen, resulting in long-term or lifelong reactions.
“He’s recommending I be considered for biologic treatment through the QEH board, but my case could be delayed indefinitely if higher-priority patients (such as those with cancer) need care. Unfortunately, skin disease is not seen as urgent, even though the impact on my life has been devastating,” the bewildered woman said.
emmanueljoseph@barbadostoday.bb
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