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

In fact, deodorants are the leading cause of allergic dermatitis, according to a 2011 study published in Contact Dermatitis. —Sara Novak, Scientific American, 10 June 2024

Olympic gymnastics all-around champion Suni Lee is opening up about her longtime journey with eczema, an inflammatory skin condition also known as atopic dermatitis. —Sara Moniuszko, CBS News, 10 June 2024

Folliculitis is a bacterial or fungal infection of the hair follicles, while allergic contact dermatitis is a rash from an allergy. —Colleen Murphy, Health, 16 May 2024

For instance, your acne may be due to folliculitis or allergic contact dermatitis. —Colleen Murphy, Health, 16 May 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