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

La Roche-Posay and Avène, two of the leading labels stocking the French pharmacy, are powered by the mineral-rich waters from the country’s thermal springs, which were discovered centuries ago to treat medical conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2025

The therapy is believed to improve respiratory health by clearing airways and promoting healing of skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. —Mari Pressley, Charlotte Observer, 3 Mar. 2025

However, the chronic eczema between my fingers has seen no noticeable improvement. —Jennifer Davis-Flynn, Outside Online, 2 Mar. 2025

Other people have symptoms when foods exacerbate related conditions, like eczema or allergic rhinitis. —Corinne Savides Happel, Verywell Health, 25 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