Definition

1. Noun:
   • A general term for inflammatory skin conditions: "Eczema" refers to a group of medical conditions that cause the skin to become inflamed, irritated, and often itchy. It is characterized by redness, dryness, and sometimes the formation of small fluid-filled blisters, especially in its more severe or initial phases.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The doctor diagnosed the itchy, red rash on her arms as eczema.
  • Many children outgrow their eczema by the time they reach adolescence.
  • Moisturizing regularly is crucial for managing dry skin caused by eczema.

Advanced Usage

• "Atopic eczema" (or atopic dermatitis): The most common and chronic form of eczema, often associated with allergies and asthma.
  • His atopic eczema flares up during the pollen season.
• "Dyshidrotic eczema": A specific type causing small, itchy blisters on the hands and feet.
  • The dermatologist identified the blisters as dyshidrotic eczema.

Variants and Related Words

• Eczematous (adj): Relating to or affected by eczema.
  • The patient presented with eczematous patches on the legs.

Synonyms

• Dermatitis: A very close synonym, often used interchangeably in medical contexts, though "eczema" is a broader, more general term.
  • Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema caused by an irritant or allergen.

Noun

1. generic term for inflammatory conditions of the skin; particularly with vesiculation in the acute stages