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 North American Baseline Series — often used by dermatologists — is a standard list of allergens most commonly known to cause contact dermatitis, meaning skin irritation like redness or dry, cracked skin caused by direct contact with an allergen. —Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 12 Dec. 2025

Your Allergy Symptoms May Improve Curcumin can help ease allergy symptoms in conditions such as asthma, dermatitis, and seasonal allergies (hay fever). —Lauren O'Connor, Health, 21 Nov. 2025

Eczema is a catchall term for a number of chronic conditions (the most common being atopic dermatitis) that can make skin inflamed, discolored, dry, and itchy. —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 13 Nov. 2025

Both have dealt with eczema, with Tori experiencing flare-ups while Stella deals with chronic eczema and seborrheic dermatitis. —Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 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