Chronic Eczema and Topical Steroid Withdrawal: A Naturopathic and Functional Medicine Guide

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve been using steroid creams for your eczema—maybe for months, maybe for years—and something isn’t working anymore. Perhaps your skin rebounds harder every time you try to stop. Or maybe you’ve already quit and you’re experiencing symptoms that feel worse than the original eczema ever did.

I’ve been treating chronic eczema and topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) for over two decades in my naturopathic practice here in Australia, and I want you to know: what you’re experiencing is real, it’s not your fault, and there is a path forward.

What Is Topical Steroid Withdrawal?

Topical steroid withdrawal happens when your skin becomes dependent on steroid creams. When you stop using them, your body goes through a rebound reaction that can include:

• Intense redness and burning (often called “red skin syndrome”)
• Oozing or weeping skin
• Severe itching, especially at night
• Skin that feels hot to the touch
• Flaking and peeling
• Insomnia and fatigue
• Emotional distress

The reality most patients don’t hear: your skin isn’t the problem—it’s the messenger. Steroids silence that message temporarily, but they never address what’s driving the inflammation in the first place.

Why Some Dermatologists Don’t Recognize TSW

I understand why some dermatologists remain skeptical about topical steroid withdrawal. But when you’ve seen patient after patient rebound as soon as steroids stop, following the same predictable sequence of symptoms, the pattern becomes undeniable.

In my practice, I’ve watched this unfold hundreds of times. The symptoms are consistent. The timeline is consistent. And most importantly, when we address the root causes using functional medicine, patients recover.

Understanding Steroid Potency: Where Does Your Cream Fall?

Not all steroid creams are created equal. Understanding the potency of what you’ve been using helps explain the severity of your withdrawal symptoms:

Mild:

• Hydrocortisone 1–2.5%

Moderate:

• Betamethasone valerate 0.02%
• Hydrocortisone butyrate 0.1%

Potent:

• Mometasone furoate 0.1%
• Betamethasone dipropionate 0.05%

Very Potent:

• Clobetasol propionate 0.05%

Generally, those who used mid- to high-potency steroids for extended periods experience more challenging withdrawal symptoms.

The Real Root Causes of Chronic Eczema

In over twenty years of practice, I’ve found that chronic eczema is almost never just a skin condition. Through functional testing, I consistently uncover these underlying drivers:

Gut Dysbiosis

This means an imbalance in your gut bacteria. When harmful bacteria outnumber the beneficial ones, it triggers system-wide inflammation that shows up on your skin. Nearly every TSW patient I test has some degree of gut disruption.

Leaky Gut and Food Sensitivities

When your intestinal barrier becomes permeable, food particles that should stay in your digestive tract leak into your bloodstream, triggering immune reactions. Common culprits include dairy, gluten, eggs, and even seemingly healthy foods like almonds or bananas.

Infections

Many eczema patients harbor hidden infections:

• Candida overgrowth (yeast)
• Bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine
• Staph colonization on the skin itself

Nutrient Deficiencies

Zinc, vitamin A, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids are essential for skin barrier repair. Most TSW patients test low in at least one of these.

Cortisol Dysfunction

Here’s what this looks like day-to-day: Early on, you might feel wired but exhausted, unable to fall asleep, with sudden heat surges and increased itching at night. As your stress system burns out, you wake up feeling like you’re walking through sand, crash in the afternoon, and crave salt or sugar. Low cortisol slows skin barrier repair and amplifies histamine responses (the chemicals that trigger itching), feeding directly into the itch-scratch cycle.

Staph Colonization: The Hidden Complicator

This deserves special attention because it’s so common and often missed. Staph colonization looks like:

• Honey-colored crusting
• Increased redness and heat
• Burning rather than itching
• Areas that weep more than usual
• A sour or metallic smell
• Flares that spread quickly

How to test for staph colonization: If you suspect staph is present, your GP or dermatologist can order a simple skin swab culture. They’ll swab the affected area (particularly any oozing or crusted areas) and send it to a pathology lab for bacterial culture. Results typically come back within 3-5 days and will confirm whether Staphylococcus aureus is present and which antibiotics it’s sensitive to. In Australia, this test is usually bulk-billed if ordered by your GP.

However, it’s worth noting that because staph colonization is so common in eczema patients, a positive skin swab alone isn’t always diagnostic—your practitioner needs to assess the clinical picture alongside the test results.

Why staph colonization matters: Eczema skin has a disrupted microbiome—the protective bacterial diversity drops, and Staphylococcus aureus fills the gap. Steroids thin the skin even further and suppress immune surveillance, creating a perfect environment for staph.

Three Case Studies From My Practice

The Rapid Recovery

A 32-year-old woman had used mild steroids for years. Her gut testing showed low beneficial bacteria and mild yeast overgrowth. Once we restored her microbiome with targeted probiotics and supported her stress response, her flare cycle broke within eight weeks.

The Challenging Case

A 19-year-old had been on strong steroids since childhood. When he stopped, his skin shed intensely for almost six months. Testing revealed severe gut imbalance, low vitamin A, and high staph colonization. Progress was slow, but once we addressed the infection and rebuilt his nutrient status, he turned a corner around month seven.

The Surprising Outcome

A 40-year-old man with “eczema” turned out to have chronic nickel sensitivity and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Once we removed the trigger and treated his gut, his skin cleared within three months with almost no TSW phase at all.

The lesson: not all chronic eczema responds the same way, because the root causes vary from person to person.

What My Patients Say

Taya M., Melbourne
“Domenic was nothing but kind, supportive, and confident. I had been suffering for years with what I believed was perioral dermatitis. After countless steroid creams, antibiotics, and trying so many different skincare products, nothing seemed to work. Domenic identified the real issue—stomach related problems—and within just two months, my skin was completely clear. I only wish I had come to him sooner. I highly recommend Domenic and his excellent knowledge.”

Allyshia T., Melbourne
“I have suffered from chronic eczema for more than 10 years now and recently it was so extreme that I had inflammation from head to toe and was looking desperately for help. I have been to so many other doctors, dermatologists, eczema clinics and even overseas doctors who could not help me with my skin. Within 2 months of following Domenic’s prescription, my skin has improved dramatically and I have been feeling so much happier with being able to sleep and function normally. Thank you so much Domenic!”

These stories reflect what I see consistently in my practice: when we address the root causes rather than just suppressing symptoms, transformation becomes possible.

What to Expect: The TSW Timeline

I wish I could give everyone a clear timeline, but recovery varies based on steroid potency, duration of use, and what we find underneath. Here’s what I typically see:

Mild TSW: 3–6 months
Moderate TSW: 6–12 months
Severe TSW: 12–24 months

This doesn’t mean you’re suffering intensely the entire time. Most people feel “more stable” around the four- to six-month mark, when sleep improves and flare cycles start stretching out. Feeling genuinely normal—working, exercising, living without constantly thinking about your skin—usually happens between 9–18 months.

Understanding the Flare Cycle

A typical cycle looks like this:

• Days 1–3: Redness intensifies, heat builds, itching increases
• Days 3–7: Oozing or weeping may appear, skin feels swollen or tight
• Days 7–14: Flaking begins, itch reduces, skin becomes dry and cracked
• Days 14–21: Skin calms but remains sensitive

Early in TSW, these cycles repeat frequently—sometimes every two weeks. As you heal, the gaps between cycles grow longer. This is one of the clearest signs of progress.

The First 48 Hours After Stopping Steroids: Your Action Plan

If you’ve decided to stop, here’s exactly what to do:

What to Have on Hand:

• Natural emollients (options include grass-fed tallow, shea butter, or coconut oil)
• Zinc-based cream
• Hypochlorous acid spray (a gentle antimicrobial spray that helps prevent infection—available at most Australian pharmacies under brands like Bactroban Alternative or can be made fresh at home)
• Magnesium flakes for baths
• Loose cotton clothing
• Cool packs or ice wrapped in cloth
• Magnesium glycinate supplement
• Quercetin (a natural antihistamine)
• Omega-3 fish oil
• A fan or air purifier
• Simple, anti-inflammatory foods

Hour 0–12:

• Keep your skin cool
• Apply a simple natural barrier like tallow or shea butter if skin feels raw (avoid petroleum-based products)
• Avoid long showers or baths initially
• Start magnesium glycinate at night for sleep support

12–24 Hours:

• Take quercetin and omega-3s with food
• If oozing begins, take a short lukewarm bath with magnesium flakes
• Use hypochlorous acid spray on weeping areas—this gentle antimicrobial helps prevent staph colonization without stinging or damaging healing skin
• Eat anti-inflammatory meals: fish, vegetables, broth, rice
• Expect heat, tingling, and poor sleep

24–48 Hours:

• Rest whenever possible—sleep will be disrupted
• Wear loose clothing to prevent friction
• Use cool compresses for heat surges
• Continue supplements and gentle topical support
• Avoid over-moisturizing; aim for comfort, not shine

The Root Method: My Core Treatment Protocol

After two decades of treating TSW patients across Australia, I’ve developed what I call the Root Method—a comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying drivers rather than just managing symptoms. Almost every TSW patient in my practice receives some version of this foundational protocol:

1. Gut Repair (The Foundation)

I treat gut imbalance in nearly every case because it calms system-wide inflammation. This is the cornerstone of the Root Method. This might include:

• Targeted antimicrobial herbs if testing shows overgrowth
• Probiotics rich in beneficial strains like L. rhamnosus GG or Bifidobacteria
• Digestive support if stomach acid is low
• Healing nutrients like L-glutamine

Why this matters: Your gut houses 70% of your immune system. When it’s out of balance, inflammation spreads throughout your body and manifests on your skin.

2. Address Staph When Present (The Protector)

Staph colonisation is incredibly common in Australian eczema patients, and it sabotages healing if left untreated.

Topically:

• Diluted apple cider vinegar baths (1/2 cup to a full bath)
• Medical-grade Manuka honey (we’re fortunate to have excellent Australian sources)
• Hypochlorous acid sprays if tolerated—this is a gentle, non-toxic antimicrobial that mimics your body’s own immune response. It kills bacteria without harming healthy tissue and doesn’t sting on broken skin
• Occasionally prescription mupirocin for clear infections

Systemically:

• Herbal antimicrobials like berberine, Oregon grape, or garlic
• High-dose probiotics to crowd out harmful bacteria
• Support for digestive strength

Why this matters: Staph creates a constant inflammatory load that prevents your skin barrier from healing, no matter what else you do.

3. Anti-Inflammatory Support (The Calmer)

These nutrients directly reduce the inflammatory cascade that drives TSW symptoms:

Quercetin: 500 mg twice daily to reduce histamine and inflammation
Omega-3s: 2–3 grams daily to calm the inflammatory cascade (wild-caught fish oil is ideal)
Zinc: 30 mg daily with food for skin repair

Why this matters: Inflammation is the fire—these nutrients help put it out while your body rebuilds.

4. Adrenal and Nervous System Support (The Stabiliser)

Your stress response system is often exhausted during TSW, which amplifies every symptom:

• Adaptogenic herbs like chamomile or licorice
• Magnesium glycinate for sleep and nervous system calming
• Glycine (3 grams before bed) for cooling and sleep support

Why this matters: When your stress hormones are dysregulated, your body can’t coordinate healing properly. This is often the missing piece.

5. Nutrient Repletion (The Builder)

Testing usually reveals deficiencies in:

• Vitamin A (crucial for skin barrier)
• Vitamin D (especially important given our sun-smart culture in Australia—many of us are deficient despite our climate)
• Essential fatty acids

Why this matters: You can’t build healthy skin without the right building blocks. These nutrients are non-negotiable.

6. Dietary Changes (The Reset)

The most powerful shifts I see come from:

• Removing dairy, gluten, and processed sugar
• Increasing omega-3-rich fish (we’re lucky to have access to excellent Australian seafood)
• Eliminating personal trigger foods (eggs, almonds, high-histamine foods)

Why this matters: Food is information for your immune system. The wrong foods send inflammatory signals that sabotage everything else you’re doing.

The Root Method in Action

The beauty of the Root Method is that each element supports the others:

• Gut repair reduces systemic inflammation
• Addressing infections removes inflammatory triggers
• Anti-inflammatory support calms the immediate symptoms
• Adrenal support helps your body coordinate healing
• Nutrient repletion provides building blocks for repair
• Dietary changes remove ongoing triggers

This isn’t about treating symptoms—it’s about creating conditions where your body can heal itself.

Daily Skin Care During TSW

From a naturopathic perspective, I favor natural, minimally processed topicals:

Preferred options:

• Grass-fed tallow (rich in fat-soluble vitamins and highly compatible with human skin)
• Shea butter (anti-inflammatory and deeply moisturizing)
• Coconut oil (antimicrobial properties, though some people react to it)
• Sunflower oil (clinically shown to improve skin barrier function)
• Simple herbal balms with calendula or chamomile in a base oil

Avoid:

• Petroleum-based products (while effective, they’re not compatible with a natural healing approach and may contain contaminants)
• Anything fragranced, with essential oils (unless specifically prescribed), or with harsh preservatives
• Products with long ingredient lists

Bathing protocol:

• Short lukewarm baths 3–4 times per week with magnesium salts or colloidal oatmeal
• Don’t over-bathe or over-moisturize—both often make things worse
• Pat skin dry gently, leaving it slightly damp before applying your chosen emollient

The Moisture Withdrawal Debate

Some TSW communities advocate for using no moisturizer at all. Some people thrive with this approach, especially if they over-moisturized previously. But for many, going completely without increases cracking, pain, and infection risk.

My balanced approach: Use moisturizer sparingly and strategically. Apply only to areas that are visibly cracking or raw. Leave milder areas alone.

Understanding the “Oozing” Phase

This phase terrifies people, but understanding what’s happening helps. Oozing is usually a combination of:

• Inflammatory fluid leaking through a damaged skin barrier
• Histamine-driven blood vessel dilation
• Sometimes secondary staph irritation (not always infection)

What helps:

• Cool compresses
• Zinc-based creams
• Short lukewarm soaks with salt or diluted apple cider vinegar
• Quercetin, omega-3s, and zinc internally
• Addressing staph if present

When inflammation calms and the barrier strengthens, oozing stops.

Environmental Triggers Beyond Food

Australian conditions present unique challenges:

• Fragranced laundry detergents
• Hard water (common in many Australian cities—Melbourne and Adelaide especially)
• Our extreme weather—hot summers, sudden temperature changes, and dry indoor heating in winter
• Sweating, especially during our humid summers
• Dust mites (particularly problematic in humid coastal areas)
• Synthetic fabrics that trap heat
• Chlorinated pools and saltwater exposure

Simple changes—cooler room temperature, gentle laundry products, a water filter, natural fabrics like cotton and bamboo—often make a significant difference.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Most TSW symptoms, while uncomfortable, are not dangerous. But seek immediate care if you experience:

• Fever with spreading redness
• Thick, yellow, or foul-smelling pus
• Rapid swelling, especially around the eyes
• Signs of dehydration
• Inability to sleep for several days straight
• Feeling shaky, off, or confused (possible sepsis)

Testing: What’s Worth It in Australia

If you can only afford one test and have $250–$550 to spend, I recommend a GI microbiome map (also called comprehensive stool analysis). It uncovers dysbiosis, candida, bacterial overgrowth, digestive enzyme problems, inflammation markers, and often points toward food triggers. This single test gives the most actionable roadmap for TSW recovery.

Several Australian labs offer excellent testing:

• Nutripath
• Complete Health Genomics
• Microba (Brisbane-based microbiome specialists)

Other valuable tests include:

• Organic acids test (OAT) for yeast, microbial metabolites, and nutrients
• Food sensitivity panels
• Adrenal cortisol rhythm testing (salivary testing available Australia-wide)

Can You Do This Alone?

What you CAN do without professional help:

• Implement dietary changes
• Establish a sleep routine
• Use gentle topicals
• Start basic supplements (zinc, omega-3s, magnesium, probiotics)
• Track symptoms in a journal
• Manage environmental triggers
• Use short-term antihistamines if needed

What usually requires professional support:

• Identifying specific gut infections
• Treating staph safely and effectively
• Managing severe oozing
• Personalizing supplement protocols and dosing
• Interpreting cortisol patterns
• Supporting mental health through the process
• Deciding whether to taper or stop cold turkey

The information in this article empowers you to make significant improvements on your own. But a personalized plan accelerates progress and helps you avoid common setbacks.

Cost Expectations in Australia

Treatment isn’t cheap, but planning helps. Over 6–12 months, most Australian patients spend:

• Testing: $400–$2,000 (some tests attract Medicare rebates if ordered by a GP)
• Supplements: $180–$350 per month (look for practitioner-grade Australian brands)
• Practitioner appointments: $1,500–$2,500 per year ( private health funds do not offer naturopathy rebates)

Total: $3,500–$7,000 for a comprehensive approach over 6–12 months.

My Success Rate

Over two decades, roughly:

• 70% achieve full recovery
• 25% experience significant improvement
• 5% see minimal improvement

The 5% who struggle most usually have unresolved chronic infections, active autoimmune conditions, or ongoing high stress without meaningful change.

A Success Story That Stays With Me

A young mother in her early thirties came to me unable to sleep more than two hours due to burning and itching. She was terrified to leave her house. Her testing showed severe gut imbalance, low zinc, and high staph levels.

We treated her gut with targeted antimicrobials and probiotics, restored her nutrient levels, supported her stress response, and addressed the skin infection both topically and systemically.

Four months later, she was back at work. Her skin was calm. And she told me she finally recognized herself again.

That’s why I do this work.

When Are Steroids Appropriate?

I’m not anti-steroid. Short-term use for acute flares can be helpful, especially when infection is controlled and the patient is supported internally. It’s the long-term use without addressing root causes that creates dependency and withdrawal.

For Parents: Preventing TSW in Children

If your child has eczema and is currently using steroids:

• Use them sparingly and only for short periods
• Always address gut health early—constipation, food reactions, or reflux are warning signs
• Remove inflammatory foods like dairy and processed sugar
• Support the skin barrier with natural emollients
• Run basic gut testing if flares keep returning

Most importantly, treat eczema as a whole-body condition, not just a skin problem.

Early Signs Your Protocol Is Working

Watch for:

• Better sleep quality
• Reduced oozing
• Longer periods between flare cycles
• Energy starting to return
• Clearer thinking

Signs you’re off track include worsening staph infection, extreme fatigue, or new food reactions appearing.

Frequently Asked Questions About TSW

How do I know if I have topical steroid withdrawal or just an eczema flare?

TSW typically presents with symptoms that are more severe and different from your usual eczema. Look for: intense burning (rather than just itching), skin that feels hot to the touch, red sleeves or red skin spreading beyond your usual eczema areas, oozing that’s more severe than before, and symptoms that get worse when you stop steroids and improve when you restart them. If your skin was “controlled” on steroids but rebounds intensely within days of stopping, that’s a strong indicator of TSW.

Can I use steroids occasionally during TSW recovery?

This is a personal decision, but in my experience, intermittent steroid use tends to prolong the withdrawal process. Each time you use steroids, you’re essentially restarting the dependency cycle. That said, if you’re experiencing a severe infection or your mental health is at risk, short-term use with proper support may be necessary. The key is to address the root causes simultaneously so you can truly break free rather than cycling indefinitely.

How long after stopping steroids does TSW start?

Most people notice initial symptoms within 24-72 hours of their last steroid application, though some experience a “honeymoon period” of 1-2 weeks before symptoms intensify. The timeline varies based on how long you’ve used steroids and their potency.

Is TSW worse in summer or winter?

This varies by person. Many Australian patients struggle more in summer due to heat, sweating, and humidity, which can trigger flares and increase itching. Others find winter challenging due to dry indoor heating and cold winds. Pay attention to your own patterns and adjust your environment accordingly—air conditioning, humidifiers, or dehumidifiers can all play a role.

Will my skin ever be normal again?

Yes. In my two decades of practice, I haven’t seen truly permanent, irreversible cases when root causes are addressed. Some people take longer than others, but with proper support, the vast majority of patients achieve either full recovery or significant improvement. The skin has remarkable healing capacity when given the right conditions.

Should I avoid all steroids completely, including oral steroids?

Topical steroid withdrawal is specifically about topical corticosteroids. Oral steroids (prednisone, prednisolone) work differently systemically and aren’t typically implicated in TSW. However, oral steroids can suppress your adrenal function with long-term use, which can complicate recovery. If you need oral steroids for another condition (asthma, autoimmune disease), discuss your TSW situation with your prescribing doctor.

Can I exercise during TSW?

Gentle movement is beneficial for stress management and circulation, but intense exercise that causes heavy sweating often triggers flares, especially in the early months. Listen to your body. Walking, gentle yoga, swimming in cool water, and stretching are usually well-tolerated. Avoid overheating and shower promptly after any sweating.

What about natural “alternatives” like steroid creams—are they safe?

Be very cautious. Some products marketed as “natural” or “herbal” remedies have been found to contain hidden corticosteroids when tested. This is particularly common with products sourced internationally. Stick with reputable Australian brands and work with a qualified practitioner who can verify product quality.

My doctor says TSW isn’t real. What should I do?

This is frustrating but unfortunately common. You have options: seek a second opinion from a dermatologist who recognizes TSW, work with a naturopath or functional medicine practitioner who can support you through the process, or educate your current doctor by sharing peer-reviewed research on TSW. Your experience is valid regardless of whether your doctor acknowledges it.

Can children go through TSW?

Yes, children can experience topical steroid withdrawal, though it’s heartbreaking to watch. The principles of the Root Method still apply—addressing gut health, supporting nutrition, managing infections, and using gentle topical care. Children often recover more quickly than adults due to their robust healing capacity, but they need close monitoring and professional support. Never stop a child’s steroids abruptly without medical supervision.

Do I need to throw away all my steroid creams?

Many people find it psychologically helpful to remove steroids from their home to eliminate temptation during difficult moments. Others prefer to keep a small amount for true emergencies. There’s no right answer—do what supports your commitment to healing while maintaining your safety net if needed.

Can diet alone heal TSW?

Diet is powerful and foundational, but in my experience, it’s rarely sufficient on its own for moderate to severe cases. The Root Method works because it addresses multiple drivers simultaneously—gut health, infections, nutrients, stress response, and inflammation. Diet is one critical pillar, but it works best in combination with the other elements.

What’s the single most important thing I can do right now?

Focus on your gut health. Start removing inflammatory foods (dairy, gluten, processed sugar) and add in a high-quality probiotic. This single intervention can shift inflammation levels throughout your entire body and is something you can start today, even without testing or a practitioner’s guidance. Everything else builds from this foundation.

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Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?

Topical steroid withdrawal is one of the most challenging conditions I treat—but it’s also one of the most rewarding when patients break free and reclaim their lives.

If you’re struggling with chronic eczema or TSW and want personalised support using the Root Method, I’d be honoured to work with you. Through comprehensive testing and an individualised protocol, we can identify your specific root causes and create a roadmap for lasting recovery.

As an Australian practitioner, I understand the unique environmental and lifestyle factors that affect our skin health—from our climate extremes to our access to excellent local testing labs and high-quality supplements.

[Book a consultation today] to begin your journey toward healthy, resilient skin—and a body that finally feels like home again.

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The information in this article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before making changes to your treatment plan.

Helpful Australian Resources

Professional Medical Organizations

• The Australasian College of Dermatologists – Australia’s peak medical college for dermatology training and professional development. Their A-Z of Skin section provides evidence-based information on skin conditions.
• Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) – Provides guidance for GPs on eczema management and topical steroid use.

Patient Support Organizations

• Eczema Support Australia – Australian patient support group offering education, resources, and community support for people with eczema. They provide an Eczema Care Online Toolkit and educational materials reviewed by dermatologists.
• International Topical Steroid Awareness Network (ITSAN) – Global organization (with Australian members) dedicated to raising awareness about TSW and providing support for those experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

Evidence-Based Information

• DermNet NZ – Comprehensive dermatology resource covering topical steroid withdrawal and eczema management, widely used by healthcare professionals across Australia and New Zealand.
• National Eczema Association – US-based organization with extensive resources on eczema management, TSW awareness, and research initiatives.

Testing Services (Australian Labs)

• Nutripath – Australian functional pathology laboratory
• Complete Health Genomics – Offers comprehensive stool testing and functional medicine testing
• Microba – Brisbane-based microbiome testing specialists

Note: These resources represent diverse perspectives on topical steroid use and TSW. While some organizations emphasize the safety of steroids when properly used, others focus on TSW awareness and support. I encourage you to review multiple sources and work with a healthcare practitioner who respects your concerns and experiences.