eczema
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of eczema
First recorded in 1745–55; from New Latin, from Greek ékzema, from ek- ec- + ze- (stem of zeîn “to boil, ferment”) + -ma, noun suffix
Explanation
Eczema refers to several skin conditions in which the skin is inflamed and usually itchy. If your skin is red, sore, itchy, or starting to discharge pus, you might have eczema: a condition of the skin that's not very pleasant. This isn't a single disease, but can refer to any skin condition that's not contagious and involves inflammation or the formation of pustules. Eczema isn't a dangerous condition, but it doesn't look or feel good. If you have eczema, a dermatologist — a doctor who specializes in the skin — can help.
Vocabulary lists containing eczema
Long Way Down
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The List of Things That Will Not Change
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Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic disease that causes dry, itchy skin.
From Science Daily • Jun. 5, 2024
Eczema is a chronic disease that causes inflammation, redness, and irritation of the skin.
From BBC • Feb. 8, 2024
That video, featuring a lotion by the brand the Ocean Healed My Eczema, has 3.6 million views.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 3, 2023
Today, the National Eczema Foundation estimates that at least 10 percent of Americans have eczema, and that one in ten people will have eczema in their lifetime.
From Salon • Jun. 3, 2023
Eczema, Herb Tea for.—"A good wash for eczema is made of an ounce of bruised blood-root and yellow dock, steeped well in a pint of alcohol, and half pint of vinegar."
From Mother's Remedies Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remedies from Mothers of the United States and Canada by Ritter, Thomas Jefferson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
