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

For example, eczema—characterized by an itchy, inflamed rash—is a common skin disorder related to warts.79 Engaging in Nail-Related Behaviors Nail biting or nail picking are risk factors for warts. —Sarah Bradley, Health, 19 June 2024

Doctors generally agree that asthma is not common in children younger than 2, unless the baby has had bouts of eczema and there's a family history of allergies and asthma. —Evan Forster, Parents, 17 June 2024

Olympic gymnastics all-around champion Suni Lee is opening up about her longtime journey with eczema, an inflammatory skin condition also known as atopic dermatitis. —Sara Moniuszko, CBS News, 10 June 2024

But unlike the neat circles typical with other forms of ringworm, the tinea caused by this new fungal infection may be mistaken for lesions caused by eczema, which could cause people not to seek the appropriate treatment right away, the press release said. —Chantelle Lee, TIME, 6 June 2024

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