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

Smith received a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema, as a pre-teen. —Anisa Arsenault, Health, 30 Apr. 2025

Still, there are numerous claims about what honey may be able to do to reduce the impact of allergies and allergic diseases, like asthma and eczema. —Daniel More, Verywell Health, 29 Apr. 2025

Unlike dry skin, which can be dull and scaly, the leading symptom of eczema is chronic itchiness. —India Espy-Jones, Essence, 21 Apr. 2025

Research on atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema, suggests that people of color, including South Asian individuals like Roy, as well as Black and Latinx folks, may have more severe and persistent eczema. —Sierra Leone Starks, Allure, 18 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