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

Born from the founder’s personal battle with eczema, the brand is a breath of fresh air in a world full of irritating, complicated formulas. —Allure, 14 Aug. 2025

Short-term nighttime itch relief: The drug can be useful for children with eczema (a chronic condition linked to allergies) who are struggling to sleep. —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 13 Aug. 2025

Allergic conditions like asthma (affecting around 28 million people in the US) and eczema (31.6 million) have been on the rise in recent decades. —Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 July 2025

These comprised 36 autoimmune disorders (including type 1 diabetes and juvenile arthritis), nine atopic or allergic disorders (including asthma, eczema and allergy), and five neurodevelopmental disorders (including autism spectrum disorder and ADHD). —New Atlas, 15 July 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