The Language of Eczema: Triggers and Flares
I have noticed along my journey living with atopic dermatitis that there are some basic definitions and terminologies I have only learned because of living with this chronic condition. As with all medical conditions, there is a certain amount of technical language one must learn. There are also some slang terms used to describe the progression of this type of eczema. Even these slang terms can be confusing!
To remedy this, I will describe what a couple of terms mean in the context of eczema. Whether you are new on your journey or experiencing symptoms again after a remission, I hope this article will help you brush up on your eczema lingo!
Although the 2 terms I explore here are accepted and used by medical professionals when describing atopic dermatitis, they are not the proper scientific/medical terminology. We are going to explore the language that everyday people with atopic dermatitis use to describe their experiences with eczema.
What is a trigger?
Have you ever noticed that some things bother or initiate your eczema more than others? If you’re reading articles on this website, I’m sure you have. In the world of atopic dermatitis, these are called “triggers.”
This is where it all starts. The Cambridge Dictionary defines “trigger” as a verb meaning “to cause something to start.” Concerning atopic dermatitis, this means anything that causes our symptoms to come on or worsen. The fancier medical term for triggers is “aggravating factors.”1-3
Our triggers can come from a wide variety of sources. However, the most basic categories of triggers are:2
What is a flare-up?
Being exposed to too many triggers can cause what we call a “flare-up,” or "flare." The fancy medical term for flare-up is “acute exacerbation.” (Try saying that 10 times fast!) This loosely translates to “getting worse, right now!”3
A flare-up means that the symptoms of active atopic dermatitis have returned. There is no definite way to tell how long a flare-up will last once it has begun. Some folks experience long periods of flare-up and some experience short periods.3
How can eczema flares be managed?
A study completed in 2022 at the University of Verona in Italy explains that the “management of flares is crucial since their prevention is a key aim of long-term disease control.” What this means is that being able to identify why and when we have flare-ups is important to successfully managing our eczema over our lives.3
Keeping a journal or diary and recording your symptoms when you notice them starting is one of the best ways to begin identifying your triggers. If you have specific concerns about your triggers and flares, having a record can make it faster and easier for you and your doctor to find solutions.
I hope you enjoyed this brief refresher on 2 of the most commonly used terms in the world of atopic dermatitis. Let me know in the comments if you have a unique eczema trigger that causes flare-ups and what you do to deal with it!
Join the conversation