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

Her research focuses on eczema in minority populations. —Lynya Floyd, Allure, 23 May 2025

Sparks Debate Connor added that chronic inflammatory conditions, such as psoriatic arthritis or eczema, may also disrupt nail growth. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025

Omega-3s may strengthen the skin’s barrier function, improve hydration, and calm inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and acne. —Julie Loffredi, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025

Yoon dealt with eczema her entire life and understood that not all skincare formulas are designed with sensitive skin in mind. —Jennifer Chan, StyleCaster, 30 Apr. 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