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 2025, Ozog joined more than 20 specialists in a major consensus review, which concluded that the therapy was safe and effective for several types of ulcer, peripheral neuropathy, acute radiation dermatitis and androgenic alopecia, a type of pattern hair loss. —Lynne Peeples, Scientific American, 26 Mar. 2026

Licensed esthetician Carly Horvath provides neuropathic treatment for acne, dermatitis, and rosacea. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 2026

The formula is gentle enough for sensitive skin types and conditions like keratosis pilaris and dermatitis, leaving skin softer, brighter, and more even in under two minutes. —Iman Balagam, Vogue, 25 Mar. 2026

The new data will need to be confirmed in larger clinical trials, but if the results hold up, Apogee’s drug could offer patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis a more convenient treatment option over Regeneron and Sanofi’s Dupixent and Eli Lilly’s Ebglyss. —Adam Feuerstein, STAT, 23 Mar. 2026

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