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

In the case of eczema, for example, a decline in beneficial Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria bacteria can make flare-ups worse. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 23 Jan. 2026

Suitable for all skin types—including reactive and compromised skin—licorice extract helps counteract damage associated with eczema, dermatitis, and allergic reactions. —Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2026

This can exacerbate existing skin conditions like eczema, or cause secondary bacterial and skin infections. —Will Barker, TheWeek, 23 Jan. 2026

Ultimately, that means that the moisture barrier can't protect the skin from external aggressors and seal in moisture, contributing to the classic eczema symptoms of red, itchy, scaly, and dry skin. —Deanna Pai, Allure, 20 Jan. 2026

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