Active Flare
Also seen as: active flare up
The middle stage of the Flare Cycle, when symptoms are most visible: redness, intense itch, and irritation.
Final definition: Bryce
Resources / Glossary
The Eczema & Flare Cycle Glossary
A comprehensive list of definitions for the terms that appear when you're managing flare-prone skin, from barrier load to Flare Cycle.
How to use this page. Each term listed links to a related product and educational guide to give you a full picture of the concept. If you arrived on this page from a search, the term you're looking for is clearly defined here. Intro copy: Bryce
A
B
Barrier load
The total amount of stress placed on the skin barrier at any given moment, from triggers like heat, friction, stress, and allergens. When barrier load goes over its threshold, a flare begins.
Final definition: Bryce
Barrier threshold
The tipping point where accumulated barrier load overwhelms the skin's defenses and a flare is triggered. Everyone's threshold is different.
Final definition: Bryce
E
Eczema
Also seen as: excema, exzema, eczama, ezcema
A common condition where flare-prone skin becomes inflamed, itchy, and disrupted, tied to a weakened skin barrier. Mind The Skin approaches it through the Flare Cycle rather than as a single static problem.
Final definition: Bryce
Eczema flare-up
Also seen as: eczema flare up, excema flare up
An active episode where the skin barrier is disrupted and symptoms intensify. A flare moves through three stages: Pre-Flare, Active Flare, and Post-Flare.
Final definition: Bryce
F
Flare Cycle
Also seen as: eczema flare cycle
Mind The Skin's framework for understanding a flare as a sequence of three stages rather than a single event: Pre-Flare, Active Flare, and Post-Flare. Each stage has a matching patch.
Final definition: Bryce
Flare-prone skin
Also seen as: flare prone skin, eczema-prone skin
Skin with a compromised barrier that reacts more readily to triggers and cycles through flares more often. Mind The Skin was built with this skin type in mind.
Final definition: Bryce
H
Hydrogel
A water-based gel material that holds moisture against the skin and helps support the barrier during early flare signs.
Final definition: Bryce
Hydrocolloid
A gel-forming material that absorbs fluid and shields disrupted skin, used in the Surge patch for the Active Flare stage.
Final definition: Bryce
Hypopigmentation
Also seen as: light spots after eczema
Lighter patches where pigment is reduced after a flare, leaving skin that looks faded compared to surrounding tissue.
Final definition: Bryce
Hyperpigmentation
Also seen as: post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, dark spots after eczema
Darkened patches that can remain after inflammation settles, especially common on deeper skin tones.
Final definition: Bryce
I
Itch-scratch cycle
Also seen as: itch scratch cycle
The loop where itch leads to scratching, scratching further damages the barrier, and irritation keeps the cycle going.
Final definition: Bryce
P
Pre-Flare
Also seen as: pre flare eczema
The first stage of the Flare Cycle, when barrier load is rising and early warning signs appear but a full flare has not started.
Final definition: Bryce
Post-Flare
Also seen as: post flare eczema, eczema recovery stage
The recovery stage after an Active Flare, when the barrier is rebuilding.
Final definition: Bryce
S
Skin barrier
The outer layer of skin that locks in moisture and keeps irritants out. When it weakens, flare-prone skin struggles to stay calm.
Final definition: Bryce
T
Triggers
Also seen as: eczema triggers, flare triggers
Everyday factors that add to barrier load on flare-prone skin, such as heat, friction, stress, and allergens.
Final definition: Bryce
W
Weeping eczema
Also seen as: weeping skin
When fluid seeps from compromised skin during an intense flare, often a sign the barrier is severely disrupted.
Final definition: Bryce
Showing example entries. Full A-to-Z set to be populated. Term list finalized with Bryce