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

Eczema: Studies show that exposure to probiotics in the womb and taking them during the first six months of life can lower a baby's risk of developing the common skin condition atopic dermatitis (eczema). —Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 5 Nov. 2024

In a TikTok posted on Tuesday, July 16, the 24-year-old actress shared her skincare routine while opening up about her recent frustrations with perioral dermatitis. —Catherine Santino, Peoplemag, 17 July 2024

Seborrheic dermatitis also causes inflammation, which includes scalp swelling and skin discoloration.4 Other Possible Causes Contrary to popular belief, dandruff is not caused by poor hygiene. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 29 Oct. 2024

One beauty editor developed chronic dermatitis after the severely drying AviClear laser degraded her skin barrier and resulted in microbiome dysbiosis. —Jessica Ourisman, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024

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