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

People with skin conditions like eczema should avoid magnesium flake baths. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 21 Nov. 2025

The panel covered everything from the challenges of living with eczema to real-world advice on how to get relief when flares strike. —Korin Miller, StyleCaster, 21 Nov. 2025

As for talking with your doctor about eczema and potential treatments, Lee and McMahan both give sound advice. —Amanda Ogle, Flow Space, 21 Nov. 2025

The parent company of Il Makiage and SpoiledChild is debuting Methodiq, a telehealth platform with an initial focus on acne, hyperpigmentation and eczema. —Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 18 Nov. 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