dermatitis

noun

der·​ma·​ti·​tis ˌdər-mə-ˈtī-təs 

plural dermatitides ˌdər-mə-ˈti-tə-ˌdēz  or dermatitises

: inflammation of the skin

Did you know?

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Seborrheic dermatitis on the scalps of babies is known as cradle cap. —Sarah Bradley, Health, 13 Feb. 2025

Allergic contact dermatitis–also called contact dermatitis–is an allergic reaction to various skin irritants and allergens. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 30 Jan. 2025

Ingredients like parabens, sodium benzoate, propylene glycol, fragrances, and certain dyes like black iron oxide can all contribute to eye and skin irritation or contact dermatitis. —Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, 4 Jan. 2025

This increases the risk of seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff). —Sherri Gordon, Health, 3 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

dermatitis

noun

der·​ma·​ti·​tis ˌdər-mə-ˈtīt-əs 

plural dermatitides -ˈtit-ə-ˌdēz  or dermatitises

: inflammation of the skin

Medical Definition

dermatitis

noun

der·​ma·​ti·​tis ˌdər-mə-ˈtīt-əs 

plural dermatitises or dermatitides -ˈtit-ə-ˌdēz 

: inflammation of the skin

called also dermitis

dermatitic

-ˈtit-ik 

adjective