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

For my peers battling acne, eczema or chronic sensitivity, most of the remedies didn’t seem to work.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Everything she had learned through her medical training had taught her these were one of the first line treatments for eczema.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

She says her son has small patches of eczema which have not spread and is a "happy, bouncy little boy".

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

Charles now had a long white beard, which he had started growing in 1863 because eczema made it uncomfortable for him to shave.

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman