The fifth season of the year - the washout period

In clinical trial design, there are two specific terms called “wash-out period” and “run-in period”. By definition, “a washout period is defined as a time between treatment periods that is intended to prevent mis-interpreting observations about study-related treatments that were actually due to prior therapies”. A run-in can be understood as the necessary time prior to a treatment (investigated treatment or a control) so that participants can obtain a baseline state at the initiation. Albeit these two terms can be used differently in literature, the purpose of them in clinical design is to prevent a carry-over effect from previous treatment which can lead to bias in trial results.

I am wondering why I keep this in mind all this time. I find it weird but also interesting as a way of seeing a trait of my ichthyosis.

Lately I have been whining enough about the impact of hot weather on my “reptile skin”, but yeah, as that is almost the main and perpetual issue of my life so I will probably keep talking about that for a while. Sorry if that bores you to sleep.

For me, the temperature of the environment is somehow very similar to a medical treatment. Let’s pretend that I am lucky enough and most of the time I am experiencing the most ideal conditions. Then I will call that the baseline state. When it gets hot, which is similar to the moment you introduce a new treatment to a participant (yeah in my case it is not the placebo), I still have some time before my skin starts reacting. It means that on some hot day you see me in good shape, that is the carry-over effect. And  that is certainly just the beginning of my cutaneous drama.

The transition time is always the most difficult period. Physically and mentally. Well, maybe because this happens periodically, my mental health has been well trained and become more elastic than average (just some thought!). Good news is that I normally get used to the heat quite fast then the transition also ends quickly. I can live, work, and be myself regardless of some visible inconveniences.

To some extent, when the cruel summer comes to an end, my friends and family often tell me cherishingly: “It is not hot today, are you good now?” I, of course, did not want to let them down, used to smile and agree with that. Moreover, explaining can sound like complaints so I do not whine over someone’s kindness. The carry-over effect from summer can last for days or even weeks. I have no idea how, but I guess it depends on the current temperature and humidity. Another sure thing is that thermal shocks are predictable yet unpreventable due to Ichthyosis.

When we were less poor and the first thing my parents did was to equip an air conditioner for our room, my mother was wholeheartedly happy saying that “Now your skin will be better” I think she truly believed that AC is the solution. I did not have the heart to ruin her hope, but I knew that AC was not the way out.

I remember the day I told mama that I had to go to some other country, she was really upset “But we have AC at home!”

I left anyway against her will, looking for the Neverland or something similar, expecting to live a happier life.

I still have to deal with seasons and washout and run-in periods so far, but I am positive that everything is getting only better. Just like it is finally autumn now.