eczema

noun

ec·​ze·​ma ig-ˈzē-mə  ˈeg-zə-mə  ˈek-sə- 

: an inflammatory condition of the skin characterized by redness, itching, and oozing vesicular lesions which become scaly, crusted, or hardened

eczematous

ig-ˈze-mə-təs 

adjective

Examples of eczema in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, eczema could also point to a number of other kinds of dermatitis, such as contact dermatitis, hand eczema, neurodermatitis and dyshidrotic dermatitis, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2025

From Skin Deep to System-Wide As a fully licensed telehealth practice, Parallel Health is currently focused on anti-aging and general dermatology, with solutions for conditions like acne, eczema, rosacea and melasma. —WWD, 14 Feb. 2025

These symptoms may be signs of health conditions that need treatment, such as head lice, ringworm, psoriasis, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, or thyroid conditions. —Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 12 Feb. 2025

As of yet, there is not a scientific consensus on whether sulfur is a solution for eczema but anecdotal reports say that the soothing properties help to alleviate severe itching. —Twiggy Jalloh, Vogue, 6 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, borrowed from Greek ékzema, from ekze-, stem of ekzéō, ekzeîn "to boil over, (of disease) break out" (from ek- ec- + zeîn "to boil, seethe") + -ma, resultative noun suffix — more at yeast entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1753, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

eczema

noun

ec·​ze·​ma ig-ˈzē-mə  ˈeg-zə-mə 

ˈek-sə-

: a skin disease marked by redness, itching, and scaly or crusty lesions

Medical Definition

eczema

noun

ec·​ze·​ma ig-ˈzē-mə  ˈeg-zə-mə  ˈek-sə- 

: an inflammatory condition of the skin characterized by redness, itching, and oozing vesicular lesions which become scaly, crusted, or hardened

eczematous

ig-ˈzem-ət-əs 

adjective