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 effectiveness of topical magnesium for eczema requires further research.3 One study found that a combination cream containing magnesium and ceramide was equally or more effective than a hydrocortisone steroid cream in treating symptoms of atopic dermatitis, like dry skin and eczema lesions. —Health, 16 June 2025

While eczema is a chronic skin disease, not an infection, having eczema can lead to lots of scratching, which breaks the skin and gives pathogens a way in. —Korin Miller, SELF, 11 June 2025

Honey can also soothe those struggling with dry scalps or skin diseases such as eczema. —Celeste Polanco, Essence, 10 June 2025

The eczema treatment has reached phase 3, the last stage of testing before regulatory approval. —Michelle Castillo, CNBC, 10 June 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