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

Dandruff is triggered by an underlying condition, like seborrheic dermatitis or scalp psoriasis, and leads to larger white- or yellow-colored skin flakes.10 A dry scalp usually results in slightly smaller white-colored skin flakes. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 29 Oct. 2024

Reader Question How to make seb derm and KP go away forever? — asks Anonymous Allure Reader Dear Reader, Unfortunately, both seborrheic dermatitis (a skin condition that causes itchy, scaly patches on the scalp) and keratosis pilaris (rough, scaly bumps on limbs) are chronic. —Sarah Kinonen, Allure, 27 Nov. 2024

Evans points to sebaceous dermatitis as a specific example, which is caused by a yeast that grows on the scalp. —Emily Orofino, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2024

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

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