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

Ahead, the best drugstore body lotions that stood out for every skin type, including options for dry skin, mature skin, acne-prone skin, eczema, and more. —Hana Hong, Glamour, 25 Mar. 2026

Halotherapy is also a service used for skin conditions including psoriasis, eczema, acne and rosacea. —Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026

For example, genetics play a role in both your likelihood of developing the aforementioned eczema and in how quickly your skin shows signs of aging. —Caroline Shannon Karasik, InStyle, 15 Mar. 2026

This can lead to problems for those with allergies and eczema, especially as the contact can exacerbate symptoms of those conditions. —Molly Burford, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 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