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

The treatment showed similar effectiveness for both moderate and severe eczema. —New Atlas, 24 June 2025

Early allergy symptoms are another possible warning flag, such as eczema or atopic dermatitis and nasal problems like stuffiness, runny nose, etc. —Dr. Clinton Dunn, Boston Herald, 15 June 2025

Gastrointestinal side effects, headache, eczema, and kidney injury from products contaminated with the toxin citrinin have been noted. —Sarah Anzlovar, Verywell Health, 9 June 2025

Hypochlorous acid spray has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help with acne, eczema, and rosacea (redness). —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 6 June 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