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

Plus, there have been more personal revelations, such as how Pratt is suffering from eczema induced by fire debris toxins. —Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2025

The service aims to treat common kids’ illnesses such as pink eye, lice, and certain skin issues, including eczema, bug bites, and contact dermatitis. —Morgan Chittum,matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2025

Lactic acid can also be helpful for people who have skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 14 Oct. 2025

For instance, Eucrisa, a drug prescribed to approximately a million American patients with eczema at almost $1,000 a tube, will be offered to Americans at an 80 percent discount—bringing the price under $200. —Bobby Jindal, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 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