eczema

American  

[ek-suh-muh, eg-zuh-, ig-zee-] / ˈɛk sə mə, ˈɛg zə-, ɪgˈzi- /

noun

Pathology.

1. an inflammatory condition of the skin attended with itching and the exudation of serous matter.

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eczema British  

/ ɪɡˈziːmə, ɛkˈsɛmətəs, ˈɛksɪmə /

noun

1. pathol a skin inflammation with lesions that scale, crust, or ooze a serous fluid, often accompanied by intense itching or burning

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eczema Scientific  

/ ĕk′sə-mə /

1. An acute or chronic noncontagious inflammation of the skin, often caused by allergy and characterized by itching, scaling, and blistering.

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Other Word Forms

• eczematous adjective

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.

Example Sentences

He had eczema but, against the advice of doctors, she was adamant he would not have steroid creams to treat it.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Eventually, after 16 months, her skin improved and resolved without any medication, a pattern she says doctors would not normally expect to see if it was severe eczema.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

The 36-year-old believes the creams she was prescribed to manage her life-long struggles with eczema had left her battling with TSW.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Sanofi says amlitelimab continues to have potential to be a meaningful and convenient option for patients with atopic dermatitis, or eczema.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

“Lou Anne, you poor thing, in those long sleeves in this heat. Is it the eczema again?”

From "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett