Netflix's Sex Education cast member Anthony Lexa has been inundated with support from co-stars, famous friends and fans alike after opening up about her health.
The actor took to Instagram to say she is "going through something" behind the scenes, that has been impacting their work.
The 24-year-old, who played Abbi Montgomery in the hit comedy-drama, said she was surviving on three hours of sleep a night due to chronic pain and withdrawal symptoms associated with eczema.
The National Eczema Association defines it as an inflammatory skin condition that causes itchiness, dry skin, rashes, scaly patches, blisters, and skin infections.
More than 31 million Americans have some form of eczema. The condition can range from mild to severe.
The television star also specified TSW (topical steroid withdrawal) which is a "newly described disease characterized by erythema and burning following discontinuation of prolonged use of mid to high-potency topical corticosteroids", per the National Library of Medicine.
Symptoms are said to include burning, swelling, insomnia, and hair loss. Lexa spoke out in view of her 29,000 followers on July 22, quickly garnering more than 4,000 likes and many comments from her celebrity pals and others on the social media app.
She wrote: "I was really hoping that my #tsw journey wouldn't have to impact my work. However, surviving on three hours sleep per night and suffering with chronic pain and withdrawal symptoms leave me with no choice.
"Being an independent artist, you have to make stuff happen. But when I can barely make dinner and clean my surroundings, it is hard to have the capacity for a busy work schedule, networking and content creation that is required to be a music artist in the 21st century."
Lexa thanked people for the continued support, saying: "I have to keep reminding myself that this PAIN IS HEALING."
She said: "I have always had a complicated relationship with my body being trans. I currently don't recognise myself in the mirror but for me that is almost freeing.
"I don't have to be a woman. My body doesn't have to be desired. I just long to be free from pain. I long to sleep. I long to eat cake again and lay out in the sun covered in SPF.
"My heart is heavy, hopeful and ironically happy. Thank you for reading. I'll be doing Sudoku somewhere in my house if you need me and I will be doing what I can. Don't forget about me."
Fellow Sex Education favorite Aimee Lou Wood was among the first to comment, replying: "Love you beauty xxxxx."
Doctor Who lead and co-star Ncuti Gatwa added a heart emoji to the post, while Little Mix singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock said: "Sending you so much love."
DJ Chloé Robinson told her: "Been going through this just over two years, lmk if you want any advice or support."(sic)
TikTok star AJ Clementine shared: "Love you always! You're my inspiration. Sending you so much love beautiful."
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