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

Inflammatory Skin Conditions Inflammatory skin conditions like eczema (atopic dermatitis) and psoriasis develop due to an overactive immune system. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 4 Sep. 2025

Topicals focuses on chronic skin conditions like eczema and hyperpigmentation—issues that disproportionately affect people with melanin-rich skin. —Isaac Mizrahi, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025

The only individuals who shouldn’t use AHAs are those who have active eczema or rosacea flares, open wounds, or are using isotretinoin (more commonly known as Accutane). —Emily Orofino, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2025

The odor of lice wounds and eczema ooze had probably kept her away. —Tao Lin, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 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