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

Similarly, at 1,400 feet below sea level, the Dead Sea’s hypersaline waters are often recommended for skin ailments such as psoriasis and eczema. —AFAR Media, 26 Sep. 2025

Born with eczema that covered my arms and legs in red, rashy welts, peaking as a teenager and returning, uninvited, throughout my adulthood. —Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2025

Stinging nettle is an herb used in traditional medicine to treat eczema and joint pain. —Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 16 Sep. 2025

Worsening of Existing Skin Conditions Sun exposure worsens inflammatory conditions like rosacea, lupus, or eczema, said Kopelman. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 15 Sep. 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