Zingers: What the heck are they in Eczema & TSW? – (S5E14)

Have you ever feel zapped or shocked in the middle of nowhere?

Have you (or anyone you know) ever experienced zingers?

What are Zingers?

Zingers are sudden pain or zaps that can occur in your body. They feel like zapping, cold, prickly or electrical shock-like sensation all over your body. Zingers are a type of nerve pain, that can feel like you’re being shocked and zapped. Some will refer to them as “sparklers.”

These are zingers and can occur when your skin or body is on flare.

Zingers can be common when it comes to topical steroid withdrawal (TSW), but it can also be experienced when some people have eczema and atopic dermatitis as well.

In my research for the Eczema Podcast, I’ve come across many eczema and TSW sufferers who have experienced zingers. However, when I’ve asked several dermatologists if they have come across this symptom, they mentioned to me that they have not.

As of now, I have only come across one integrative doctor who has seen this before, but it wasn’t in her Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) patients. She mentioned that she sees it in many of her patients who experience mold allergies!

Here are 3 Factors I’ve Seen that Trigger Zingers

(Please note that this is my personal experience only, and it is not meant to be substituted as medical advice.)

• Irregular Thyroid Level­s

Even if your thyroid levels are within the normal range of what doctors would call normal, it is possible that it is not within the optimal range (as functional practitioners, nutritionists and naturopaths often have a stricter and more narrow range that we abide by).

Holistic and functional practitioners often recommend that your thyroid levels should be between 1 to 2 (or at least below 2.5, especially if you are trying to get pregnant!) – whereas conventional doctors will often mention that your thyroid levels can be up to 5 (and still be within a normal range!).

Mine was considered within the “normal range” from my family doctor, but my naturopath diagnosed me with sub-clinical hypo-thyroid, meaning that my thyroid levels were on the lower end, which was reflected in my blood tests.

When I started getting my blood tested every 3 months, I began noticing that my zinger symptoms would appear whenever I was not on my thyroid supplement. Whenever my thyroid levels were around a 3 or 4, I would start to get zingers.

When I was on my thyroid supplements regularly, I noticed that it helped control my zinger symptoms and they would disappear!

Thyroid levels can change during and after a big stressful event in your life, such as after giving birth, going through a miscarriage or when someone stop breastfeeding. Lower thyroid levels can also cause dry skin levels. If you are experiencing zingers, monitor your thyroid levels every month and see what’s best for you. Your doctor may recommend thyroid supplements or medication, depending on your score.

• Skin Flares

I have found that zingers tend to happen to individuals who are experiencing topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) or severe eczema (although it tends to happen in the former case, since TSW often affects the nerves as well).

From other TSW sufferers that I have spoken to, I have found that many of them have shared that as the skin gets better, the zingers have improved as well.

• Heat

I have personally noticed that being in a hot environment (sweating, exercising, or being in the heat) would cause my zingers to flare. I have noticed that being in a cooler environment would help reduce the amount of zingers that I felt.

Tips to Help Zingers

• Monitor your thyroid levels with a functional or holistic practitioner (even if your doctor mentions that you’re in the normal range).
• Take a cool bath, shower, or make sure you are in a cool environment
• Get testing done to get to the root cause of the imbalances (this is something we do in our personalized coaching program)
• Consult a doctor or holistic practitioner if you experience them more often.

Are Zingers Dangerous?

These sudden pains can come as a shock, literally, but they’re not harmful. Although, zingers are not fatal, they are painful and can happen repeatedly. If you experience zingers repeatedly and still haven’t figured out the cause, it is best to see a practitioner to do some assessments or tests to help you figure out the root cause and imbalances in your body.

 

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST BELOW:

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