dermatitis
noun
or dermatitises
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Dermatitis usually appears as a rash, and may cause itching, blisters, swelling, and often scabbing and scaling. It often marks an allergic reaction of some kind. Contact dermatitis is caused by something (often a chemical) touching the skin. Atopic dermatitis usually affects the insides of the elbows, the backs of the knees, and the face; generally resulting from an inherited sensitivity, it's often triggered by inhaling something. Eczema, psoriasis, and dandruff are all forms of dermatitis. Even in the worst cases, dermatitis isn't infectious and doesn't produce serious health consequences.
Examples of dermatitis in a Sentence
Lauryn Higgins, Time, 30 Apr. 2025
Skin conditions: Piercing can also lead to allergic reactions or contact dermatitis, an inflammatory response that causes redness, swelling, itching, and burning.
—Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 22 Apr. 2025
Article continues after video. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting about 10 percent of adults in the US.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 21 Apr. 2025
Contact with hyacinth bulbs can cause contact dermatitis for gardeners with sensitive skin.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dermatitis
Cite this Entry
“Dermatitis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dermatitis. Accessed 15 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dermatitis
noun
or dermatitises
Medical Definition
dermatitis
noun
called also dermitis
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