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 2000, the American Academy of Pediatrics advised that infants at high risk for allergies, including those with eczema or a family history of food allergies, avoid eggs until age 2. —Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 8 June 2026

The first sign is usually atopic dermatitis, a form of eczema that often appears before a child’s first birthday. —Dr. Daniel Digiacomo, Boston Herald, 7 June 2026

Our tester, who has combination skin with occasional eczema, noted that the silky, gel-cream texture felt lightweight, but the cream was still deeply moisturizing. —Jenny Berg, InStyle, 4 June 2026

If your child is prone to irritation or eczema, an extra rinse may be a worthwhile addition to your laundry routine. —Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 2 June 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