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

Scratching is a natural response to a skin irritant that increases skin inflammation and can make certain diseases, such as eczema, worse. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026

In several cases, the scientists noted that effective FDA therapies already exist for many of the conditions in question, like insomnia, psoriasis or eczema. — Aria Bendix, NBC news, 30 June 2026

Kaplan hopes better understanding of that pathway eventually could help skin diseases such as chronic eczema. — ABC News, 27 June 2026

If your baby suffers from skin irritations such as eczema, rough patches, redness dryness or rashes, the All Over Ointment Eczema Treatment with Colloidal Oatmeal can help provide relief. — Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 23 June 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