eczema Pathol.
(ˈɛkzɪmə)
[Gr. ἔκζεµα, f. ἐκζέ-ειν, f. ἐκ out + ζέ-ειν to boil.]
‘An acute, or chronic, non-contagious, simple inflammation of the skin, characterized by the presence of itching papules and vesicles which discharge a serous fluid, or dry up’ (Syd. Soc. Lex.). There are many kinds of eczema; a form occurring in cattle (E. epizooticum), is known as ‘the foot and mouth disease’.
| 1753 Chambers Cycl. Supp., Eczema, a name given by the antient physicians, to any fiery pustule on the skin. 1884 St. James's Gaz. 24 Apr. 5 Animals..may communicate disease..though..not suffering from..eczema themselves. |
Hence ecˈzematous a., ecˈzematously adv.
| 1869 Pall Mall G. 19 Oct. 4 A family drank the milk [from a cow having the foot and mouth disease] undiluted, and are now suffering from an eczematous condition of the lips, tongue, and palate. 1876 Duhring Dis. Skin 165 The eczematously diseased tissues. |