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

It’s formulated for everything from seasonal dryness and eczema-prone complexions to post-sun skin, helping replenish moisture when your face needs some extra TLC. — Grace Scollo, InStyle, 14 Aug. 2026

Traditional narrow-band UVB devices used in dermatology clinics for psoriasis, eczema, or vitiligo operate at different wavelengths and doses and remain prescription-only. — Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

As rates of allergies, asthma, eczema and hay fever rose in industrial civilizations, children raised on farms did not seem to be affected. — Baltimore Sun, Boston Herald, 9 Aug. 2026

This means your child could have anything from eczema or a life-threatening food allergy to a vision impairment, learning difference like dyslexia, or even a processing disorder and qualify for a 504 plan. — Sherri Gordon, Parents, 7 Aug. 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