A chronic skin condition characterized by inflamed, itchy, and often scaly patches of skin. Also known as atopic dermatitis.
From Greek 'ekzema' meaning 'something thrown out', from 'ek-' (out) and 'zein' (to boil). The Greek medical term literally described the condition as the skin 'boiling over' or erupting outward.
The ancient Greek description of eczema as 'boiling over' captures the inflammatory nature of this condition remarkably well. Modern research shows eczema involves an overactive immune response, quite literally the body's defenses 'boiling over' in response to triggers.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.