eczema
Americannoun
noun
Other Word 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.
Chronic itch affects millions of people living with conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and kidney disease, but treatment options remain limited.
From Science Daily • May 10, 2026
Many detainees suffered from HIV, tuberculosis and eczema.
From Barron's • May 8, 2026
The performance of the drug for asthma and skin conditions highlights its continuing potential in eczema and recently added indications, but year-earlier comparisons will get tougher as 2026 progresses, according to UBS.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026
Bethany is among some patients who say they did not receive follow ups and were free to keep using steroid creams as their eczema worsened.
From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026
My mom has eczema, so I know what a curse rough elbows can be.
From "Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus" by Dusti Bowling
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.
