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

At the same time, Stella also got bullied for her seborrheic dermatitis, a different inflammatory skin condition that cropped up on her scalp and created visible patches of flaky skin. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 30 Oct. 2025

In some cases, an underlying skin condition, such as seborrheic dermatitis, may cause both dandruff and hair loss. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 30 Oct. 2025

Irritant contact dermatitis is one of the most common skin diseases characterized [by] redness, skin swelling and itching. —Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025

Was digital dermatitis a real issue on the farm? —Emma Veidt, Outside, 25 Oct. 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