Eczema Flare-Up Check List
🌿 Eczema Flare-Up Checklist
From The Skin Well™ | Drawn from the Happy Skin Leaflet Series
Eczema is often unpredictable - and frustrating. This checklist is here to help you explore possible flare-up triggers gently and without pressure. Think of it as a way to understand your skin better- not to judge it or yourself.
🧴 SKIN PRODUCTS & HABITS
☐ Switched or added new skincare, body care, or hair products
☐ Used fragranced products, soaps, or harsh cleansers
☐ Skipped moisturising (especially after bathing)
☐ Scratching, rubbing, or using rough fabrics
☐ Wearing tight or non-breathable clothing
What might help:
→ Stick to gentle, fragrance-free routines and avoid known irritants
→ Moisturise regularly, especially after contact with water
→ See: Happy Skincare products, Happy Skin
🏠 HOME & ENVIRONMENT
☐ Exposure to dust, pets, pollen, or mould
☐ Central heating, dry air, or cold weather
☐ New cleaning products, detergents, or scented laundry softeners
☐ Change in environment (e.g. travel, new home, work setting)
What might help:
→ Use scent-free detergents and clean regularly with gentle products
→ During dry weather, some people find a humidifier or barrier cream helpful for reducing skin dryness
→ See: Happy Home, Happy Skin, Happy Work, Happy Skin, Happy Sun, Happy Skin, and Happy Air, Happy Skin
🍽️ FOOD & DIGESTION
☐ Ate foods known to trigger eczema (e.g. dairy, gluten, eggs - if relevant)
☐ Had more processed, sugary, or salty foods recently
☐ Not drinking enough water or feeling bloated/sluggish
☐ Recently used antibiotics or had digestive changes
What might help:
→ Support gut health and hydration
→ Track possible food links without cutting foods unnecessarily
→ See: Happy Gut, Happy Skin and Happy Hydration, Happy Skin
🛏️ SLEEP, STRESS & EMOTIONS
☐ Struggling to sleep due to itching or stress
☐ Flare-up followed emotional tension or anxiety
☐ Feeling unsupported or overwhelmed lately
What might help:
→ Prioritise wind-down time and calming rituals
→ Manage itching with cool compresses, moisturising, and gentle touch
→ See: Happy Mind, Happy Skin, Happy Relationships, Happy Skin and Happy Sleep, Happy Skin
🩺 HEALTH, IMMUNE & HORMONES
☐ Flare-up linked to periods, pregnancy, menopause, or illness
☐ Recently vaccinated, had an infection, or immune changes
☐ Started or stopped medications
What might help:
→ Keep a flare diary to track links
→ Nourish your immune system and skin barrier
→ See: Happy Hormones, Happy Skin
💡REMEMBER
Eczema flare-ups aren’t your fault. They're your skin asking for support. Small steps - taken consistently - can make a big difference. If your eczema is persistent, painful, or worsening, speak to a skin therapist or GP.
Disclaimer
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the information in this leaflet is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional advice.
Version: [April / 2025]
© 2025 Jacqui de Jager | The Skin Well™ & The Happy Skin Clinic®
All rights reserved. This leaflet is for personal use and education only. It may not be reproduced, distributed, or adapted without written permission.
