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

Dry feet can be caused by dry winter air or medical conditions like diabetes, psoriasis, and eczema. —Francisco J. Rivera Rosario, Health, 22 Dec. 2024

Eucerin Baby Eczema Relief Hydrogel Eucerin Baby Eczema Relief Hydrogel is uniquely designed to help combat and treat uncomfortable eczema symptoms. —Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024

Brand founder Amy Liu originally formulated it to calm inflammation, eczema, though it’s now loved to pacify redness, acne, rosacea, and even sunburn. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 17 Dec. 2024

Alcohol poses a high skin risk to those with conditions like acne, eczema, or psoriasis. —Sanjana Ray, Glamour, 12 Dec. 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