What a Flare looks like from the Inside

As I sit here waiting for my teeth cleaning, my mind keeps drifting back to my skin. This flare is a rough one puffy eyes, inflamed skin, and pain that makes even opening my mouth difficult. So yes, this is the last place I want to be right now… but life doesn’t pause for flare‑ups.

Every gentle touch sends a sharp, deep sting beneath the surface. I’m already bracing myself for how the hygienist’s hands might feel. Moments like this remind me that living with a skin condition is so much more than what you see. It affects everything, down to the way I dress. I’m wearing gold hoops from my childhood as they’re gentler on my skin and don’t press against my ears the way posts and backings do and a hairband to keep hairs off my face and ears preventing further irritation.

I’m sharing this because I want to offer a little insight into what someone with a chronic skin condition might be navigating. I know this flare is hard to miss, and while I’ve learned not to take comments personally, I also know that for many people living with visible skin conditions, those reactions can be deeply triggering or painful. It’s a reminder that our words, even the well‑intentioned ones, can land in ways we don’t always realize.

So next time you see someone who looks like they’re in pain, instead of pointing out the obvious “your face is so red” try something gentler, like “I hope you get some relief soon” or “It looks like you’re really uncomfortable.” A small shift in words can mean so much. 🤍

Has anyone ever said something that really helped you feel seen during a tough moment?