dermatitis
noun
or dermatitises
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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
Ava Erickson, Outside Online, 29 Apr. 2025
Research on atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema, suggests that people of color, including South Asian individuals like Roy, as well as Black and Latinx folks, may have more severe and persistent eczema.
—Sierra Leone Starks, Allure, 18 Apr. 2025
On top of that, when your roots and pillow are damp, that creates a moist, warm breeding ground ideal for Malassezia yeast, which in excess, can cause dandruff, per Dr. Cheng, or an inflammatory skin condition called seborrheic dermatitis (characterized by itchy, greasy patches).
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 8 Apr. 2025
Although rare, a garlic allergy may cause symptoms like allergic dermatitis or allergic rhinitis, gastrointestinal problems, asthma, or concerns with the mouth and lips.
—Laura Dorwart, Verywell Health, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dermatitis
Cite this Entry
“Dermatitis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dermatitis. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dermatitis
noun
or dermatitises
Medical Definition
dermatitis
noun
called also dermitis
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