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

So, here’s a general rule from both derms: Powdery flakes usually point to dry skin, while greasy, yellowish scales lean toward seborrheic dermatitis. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 20 Dec. 2024

Healing from contact dermatitis does not happen overnight. —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2024

Chemical irritation of the skin, known as irritant dermatitis, can also lead to a chronic hangnail infection.1 A chronic hangnail infection usually affects more than one finger or toe at a time, takes longer to develop symptoms, and lasts longer. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 9 Oct. 2024

There are various causes of dandruff, including seborrheic dermatitis, skin conditions like scalp psoriasis or scalp ringworm, and irritation from hair care products or environmental triggers. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 29 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