dermatitis

noun

der·​ma·​ti·​tis ˌdər-mə-ˈtī-təs How to pronounce dermatitis (audio)
plural dermatitides ˌdər-mə-ˈti-tə-ˌdēz How to pronounce dermatitis (audio) or dermatitises
: inflammation of the skin

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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

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 Another study found that Black children are 1.7 times more likely to develop atopic dermatitis than white children. Becky Upham, EverydayHealth.com, 17 Sep. 2024 Colloidal oatmeal is grounded whole oats made into a powdery texture to treat atopic dermatitis and psoriasis flare-ups. Lauren Manaker Ms, Rdn, Health, 16 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for dermatitis 

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dermatitis was in 1876

Dictionary Entries Near dermatitis

Cite this Entry

“Dermatitis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dermatitis. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

dermatitis

noun
der·​ma·​ti·​tis ˌdər-mə-ˈtīt-əs How to pronounce dermatitis (audio)
plural dermatitides -ˈtit-ə-ˌdēz How to pronounce dermatitis (audio) or dermatitises
: inflammation of the skin

Medical Definition

dermatitis

noun
der·​ma·​ti·​tis ˌdər-mə-ˈtīt-əs How to pronounce dermatitis (audio)
plural dermatitises or dermatitides -ˈtit-ə-ˌdēz How to pronounce dermatitis (audio)
: inflammation of the skin

called also dermitis

dermatitic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on dermatitis

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