Briana Banos is a living testament to how difficult life with eczema is, even more so when you factor in Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW). She has told stories about her struggle through her documentaries to help people understand what TSW is. This time, she’s bringing her advocacy to the racetrack as she laces up for the AJ Bell Great North Run to raise money for the Eczema Outreach Support (EOS).

Many people discount eczema as just another type of skin irritation. However, there is more to it than that, especially for those living with it and facing the challenge of Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW). It’s then that the reality becomes much deeper, affecting every aspect of life, from sleep to self-esteem.

For those unfamiliar with TSW, it is a condition that occurs when you suddenly stop using topical corticosteroids, which are applied to the skin to treat dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) explains that TSW is not yet considered a medical diagnosis, so raising awareness about it is crucial.

Briana Banos, a living example of courage, decided to make the world notice. She’s a TSW warrior and survivor who’s made it her mission to be the voice of TSW by making real-life TSW stories heard.

She first captured global attention in 2019 with her groundbreaking documentary, “Preventable: Protecting Our Largest Organ,” a powerful introduction to TSW. Its goal was to educate the world by shedding light on the debilitating effects of TSW.

After five years, she produced another documentary entitled “Still Preventable.” This follow-up film examined the perceived neglect and dismissal faced by individuals with TSW. It was Briana’s platform to raise awareness and ask for understanding and care for those with the condition.

When she’s not busy producing documentaries, Briana actively connects with fellow TSW warriors by fostering a sense of community through podcasts and appearances as a guest speaker. Those are her avenues to give voice to TSW sufferers who are often unheard.

Now, she’s carrying her mission beyond the screen and onto the racecourse.

On September 7, 2025, Briana will take part in the AJ Bell Great North Run, the world’s biggest half-marathon. She’s running to challenge herself and raise money for Eczema Outreach Support (EOS). This UK-based organization offers families practical support for managing eczema through school visits, events, and one-on-one guidance.

Joining this race is yet another facet of her TSW advocacy. Briana uses this to stand for and beside those living with the condition. It’s a personal mission anchored on resilience, hope, and visibility; a silent promise that families struggling with eczema and TSW will never have to walk alone.

In line with this, Briana will hold a live Instagram session with Cottonique on September 1 at 6:00 PM UK time. She’ll be talking about her TSW journey, the Great North Run, and EOS to her viewers. She’ll also introduce them to Cottonique and its mission of providing clean, hypoallergenic 100% organic cotton clothing to people with eczema, psoriasis, and other skin sensitivities.

To make every contribution count even more, Cottonique is matching all donations made between August 7 and race day, September 7, helping Briana surpass her fundraising goal and expand EOS’s reach to more families.

You can support Briana’s run and the EOS by donating to her fundraising page. Your contribution will make a difference in the lives of those living with eczema and TSW. Click here to donate now.