sap1 can2濕疹湿疹
Jyutpingsap1 can2
Yalesāp chán
Definition
Eczema; an allergic skin condition characterized by persistent itching, dryness, rashes, and redness.
colloquialhealthbody
How it's used
People frequently use the verb 發 to describe the onset or flare-up of this condition. It is common to hear locals complain about their skin condition worsening specifically during the transition between seasons or when the air becomes particularly dry. While it is a medical term, it is used very casually in daily life to explain why someone might be scratching or avoiding certain soaps.
Examples
I have eczema on my hands, it's so itchy I can't sleep.
Did you change your body wash, which is why your eczema is flaring up?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with general rashes or dry skin. Remember that it refers specifically to the chronic condition, so do not use it to describe a temporary reaction to a mosquito bite or a minor allergic reaction to a specific plant.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
