eczema

/ˈegzəmə/

/ˈekzɪmə/

Other forms: eczemas

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.

Definitions of eczema

1. noun

   generic term for inflammatory conditions of the skin; particularly with vesiculation in the acute stages
   types:

   dermatitis

   inflammation of the skin; skin becomes itchy and may develop blisters

   allergic eczema

   eczema caused by an allergic reaction

   eczema herpeticum

   eczema characterized by a feverish condition and widespread eruption of vesicles; most common in children

   Kaposi's varicelliform eruption, eczema vaccinatum

   a now rare complication of vaccinia superimposed on atopic dermatitis with high fever and generalized vesicles and papulovesicles

   chronic eczema, eczema hypertrophicum, lichtenoid eczema

   eczema characterized by thickening of the skin with accentuated skin lines

   actinic dermatitis

   dermatitis caused exposure to sunlight

   atopic dermatitis, atopic eczema

   a severe form of dermatitis characterized by atopy

   contact dermatitis

   a delayed type of allergic reaction of the skin resulting from skin contact with a specific allergen (such as poison ivy)

   cradle cap

   a dermatitis of the scalp that is common in infants

   diaper dermatitis, diaper rash

   dermatitis of the thighs and buttocks of infants; supposedly caused by ammonia in the urine in the child's diapers

   hypericism

   a severe dermatitis of herbivorous domestic animals attributable to photosensitivity from eating Saint John's wort

   neurodermatitis

   dermatitis in which localized areas (especially the forearms or back of the neck or outer part of the ankle) itch persistently; cause is unknown

   schistosome dermatitis, swimmer's itch

   a sensitization reaction to repeated invasion of the skin by cercariae of schistosomes

   baker's eczema

   allergic eczema caused by flour or other ingredients handled by bakers

   seborrheic dermatitis, seborrheic eczema

   a chronic skin disease associated with seborrhea and greasy scales on the scalp or eyelids or other parts of the skin

   type of:

   disease of the skin, skin disease, skin disorder

   a disease affecting the skin