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

The foam is approved for the treatment of plaque psoriasis on the body and scalp down to 12 years old and for seborrheic dermatitis down to nine years old. —Megan McIntyre, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025

Fungal infection, yeast infection, some kind of autoimmune lesion such as pemphigus or lupus, acne, and solar dermatitis are just a few other possibilities that come to mind. —Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 14 Sep. 2025

The six-year-old startup currently has one drug, a treatment for atopic dermatitis, in early clinical trials. —Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

Eczema Apple cider vinegar may help treat conditions like atopic dermatitis (eczema), which causes itchy, flaky, red skin. —Kirstyn Hill, Health, 10 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dermatitis

• adenitis
• arteritis
• blepharitis
• cervicitis
• cholangitis
• choroiditis
• decubitus
• fasciitis
• gingivitis
• hepatitis
• iritis
• keratitis

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