eczema
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
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.
See Examples For:
TSW has divided opinion among doctors and other healthcare professionals, with some viewing it as a condition in its own right and others regarding it as a severe case of eczema.
From BBC ● Jul. 25, 2026
Sanofi SAN -0.62%decrease; red down pointing triangle said it decided against seeking regulatory approval for a new eczema drug as the French pharmaceutical company reviews its pipeline following the appointment of a new chief executive.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026
Raw dairy, his farm has claimed, could cure, treat or prevent myriad diseases and ailments, from diabetes and ear infections to allergies, eczema and arthritis.
From Salon ● Jun. 22, 2026
About 16 million adults and 10 million children in the U.S. have atopic dermatitis, which is a form of eczema, according to the National Eczema Association.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 20, 2026
“Lou Anne, you poor thing, in those long sleeves in this heat. Is it the eczema again?”
From "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett
In my personal experience I have invariably seen the eczemas of children made worse by measles.
From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various
The commonest form of inflammation of the skin is called eczema, and eight-tenths of all eczemas are due to some mild germ, and can be cured by the appropriate poison for it.
From A Handbook of Health by Hutchinson, Woods
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.
