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 people with eczema or atopic dermatitis, over-showering may worsen their symptoms. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025

People with eczema, psoriasis, and ichthyosis may find products containing urea particularly useful in managing their symptoms. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 19 Mar. 2025

Roughly 20 percent of Black Americans develop eczema, which can cause swelling, itchiness, sores, and skin discoloration. —Dontaira Terrell, refinery29.com, 7 Mar. 2025

Plus, the mystical waters are still used in the town of La Roche-Posay at its Thermal Center—a facility and spa that treats over 7,000 patients annually who are looking to treat burns, eczema, psoriasis, and skin effects from cancer treatments. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 4 Mar. 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