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

Allergic conditions like food allergies, hay fever, eczema and asthma have become much more common. —New Atlas, 21 Dec. 2024

Keep in mind that, unlike your average bar soap, body washes can include active ingredients to target acne, eczema, and dryness. —Deanna Pai, Allure, 13 Dec. 2024

The brand claims to improve acne, eczema, dry skin, frizziness, color stripping and damaged hair. —Dahvi Shira, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024

That’s thanks to a host of upcoming changes, including an ever-aging population and climate change, which can cause an increase of existing pathologies, such as acne and eczema, and a rise of new ones. —Jennifer Weil, WWD, 26 Nov. 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