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eczema
(ek´zә-mә)
a superficial inflammatory process involving primarily the epidermis, marked early by redness, itching, minute papules and vesicles, weeping, oozing, and crusting, and later by scaling, lichenification,
and often pigmentation. This is a common allergic reaction in children, and it may also occur in adults in a more severe form
than that of children. Childhood eczema often begins in infancy, with the rash appearing on the face, neck, and folds of elbows
and knees. It may disappear by itself when an offending food is removed from the diet, or it may become more extensive and
even cover the entire body surface. Severe eczema can be complicated by skin infections.
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