eczema /ek″simə/ [Gk, ekzein, to boil over] , a general superficial dermatitis of unknown cause. In the early stage it may be pruritic, erythematous, papulovesicular, edematous, and weeping. Later it becomes crusted, scaly, thickened, or lichenified. Exacerbating factors include sudden temperature changes, humidity, psychological stress, illness, allergies, fibers, detergents, and perfumes. Eczema is not a distinct disease entity. See also atopic dermatitis, nummular dermatitis. −eczematous, adj.
