eczema

[ ek-suh-muh, eg-zuh-, ig-zee- ]

noun

, Pathology.

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

eczema

/ 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

eczema

/ ĕk′sə-mə /

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

Derived Forms

• eczematous, adjective

Other Words From

• ec·zema·tous [ig-, zem, -, uh, -t, uh, s, -, zee, -m, uh, -], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of eczema¹

First recorded in 1745–55; from New Latin, from Greek ékzema, from ek- ec- + ze- (stem of zeîn “to boil, ferment”) + -ma, noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of eczema¹

C18: from New Latin, from Greek ekzema, from ek- out + zein to boil; see yeast

Example Sentences

Smith began making her food from scratch after being diagnosed with lupus and eczema.

From Los Angeles Times

He was full of self-loathing, developed eczema on his face.

From Los Angeles Times

When Shalom Lloyd's twins Joshua and Amara were born in March 2014, her son had severe eczema that left him bleeding and looking like he had snakeskin.

From BBC

“Your hair might feel brittle and it can irritate skin issues like eczema.”

From Los Angeles Times

After reading all of the instant accusations against Walz, I was half expecting to hear he had flat feet, eczema, psoriasis and halitosis.

From Salon