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

The use of formaldehyde in clothes can irritate skin conditions, such as eczema. —Topher Sanders, ProPublica, 9 Dec. 2024

Omega fatty acids are known to help heal the skin barrier and are even used to treat eczema. —Mélanie Nauche, Vogue, 27 Nov. 2024

For example, a skin cream used for eczema might separate or change in texture over time, or a suppository containing fever medicine might melt. —Keren Landman, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024

Can help those with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis Could promote wound healing Could aid with hair conditioning and locking in moisture 1. —Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 17 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