Broadly speaking, Atopic Dermatitis has two different phases. A ‘flare-up’ is one of the names used to describe the acute, active phase when skin is at its most irritable. It can feel intensely itchy, you may experience a burning sensation and skin can look dry, red and flaky. Between these acute, flare-up phases are periods of time when your skin is relatively calm and less irritated. This period is also known as the non-acute, non-active or interval phase. The length of each phase varies greatly depending on the individual, but products specially formulated to treat and care for atopic skin − such as those in the Eucerin AtopiControl range − can help to extend the period between flare-ups and offer relief during acute flare-ups.