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
Brandi Jones, Health, 3 July 2025
For some people, the chronic skin condition atopic dermatitis, the most common and best-known type of eczema, can be challenging to treat, especially if it’s caused by something that can’t be controlled, such as genetics.
—New Atlas, 24 June 2025
These symptoms often result from a type of eczema called seborrheic dermatitis.
—Sarah Hudgens, Health, 19 June 2025
In one 2020 study more than 86% of medical students identified atopic dermatitis in lighter-skinned individuals, but only roughly 74% correctly identified the condition in skin of color.
—Lynya Floyd, Allure, 23 May 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 16 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dermatitis
noun
or dermatitises
Medical Definition
dermatitis
noun
called also dermitis
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