Let's Talk All Things Flare Care

Managing eczema is exhausting in many ways – emotionally, physically, and mentally. Even on lighter days, we're still running surveillance, constantly alert to what might trigger a flare or handling the emotional turmoil that comes along with it. It's never sunshine and rainbows in life with eczema, but the fire burns brightest and hottest during a flare.

This year for Eczema Awareness Month, we want to shine a light on what it takes to manage flares. From creating an action plan to the emotional anxiety to the desperate search for something that works, it's a time-consuming and draining process that shouldn't be ignored.

How do you handle an eczema flare?

When our emotional, physical, and mental well-beings are being asked to run at full speed and efficiency, how do you keep them from going haywire? During a flare, you may be implementing an entire action plan and it might take more than just you to keep it all under control. In addition to your routine products, your skin is demanding you add soothing balms, homemade remedies, or prescription treatments to find relief.

Bringing in appropriate healthcare providers and even relying on your support system can be paramount. Don't underestimate the importance of finding the right people to keep in your corner to help you navigate the chaos of eczema. That action plan tends to be pretty robust, so we want to know what yours looks like.

Are you living in fear of a flare?

When you catch a break, do you fear the next time a flare rears its ugly head? Are you on high alert for potential triggers? Even without a flare making itself known on your skin, it's still there, creeping into the dark corners of your mind and your daily activities.

When you're experiencing a flare, you may even feel paralyzed by your flare – forced to stay home or cover up in fear of it being seen. To top it off, even looking in the mirror can feel challenging. Forget what others may think of your skin, what are you seeing? What we see is the fear that eczema places on you time and time again. Tell us, what fears does your eczema bring?

Are you in an endless game of trial and error?

The warfare doesn't stop there. The emotional trauma is hard enough, but the pursuit of something, anything that can help relieve or alleviate the itch or rash can feel like an act of desperation. One that's met with what feels like constant failure. Trial and error is the name of the game – whether trying new skincare products or treatment options. Something might work today, but tomorrow it doesn't. We want to know how you decide when to call it quits on a product or treatment and try something new.

Nothing works! What else can you try?

Prescription treatments and over-the-counter products might just not cut it. When it feels like nothing is working to give you relief from the itch and the burden of a visible skin condition, what options are left? Many turn to complementary and alternative treatments like natural remedies, vitamins and supplements, and stress management techniques. We want to know what you turn to when traditional treatments aren't helping you manage your eczema.

How do you handle trying new treatments?

When it's time to try something new to add to your arsenal, like a prescription treatment or an alternative option, what does your process look like? Trying something new can be anxiety-inducing – either it's going to work, it's going to make your eczema worse, or it's going to do absolutely nothing. Do you feel nervous to try something? How long do you give a product to work when you try something new? How do you decide what to try? Do you talk to your doctor? Tell us what goes through your mind when you're trying something new.

Managing eczema flares is no easy feat. We recognize all of the mental, emotional, and physical strength it takes to manage this skin condition. Eczema is not skin deep and you are not alone in managing this time-consuming and isolating condition.