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

Things like overuse of harsh active ingredients like retinol and skin conditions like eczema can lead to a weakened skin barrier, but so too can seasonal changes, says Dr. Kim. —Emily Orofino, Allure, 24 Oct. 2024

As a result, docs may be more likely to misdiagnose your eczema. —Lynya Floyd, SELF, 18 Oct. 2024

Severe skin reactions that look like eczema can happen during treatment with COSENTYX from days to months after your first dose and can sometimes lead to hospitalization. —Chloe Castleberry, Flow Space, 26 Sep. 2024

These include those with open wounds or sores on their feet and people with diabetes, peripheral artery disease, heart disease, eczema, or psoriasis, says Dr. Parthasarathy. —Daley Quinn Published, Health, 25 Oct. 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