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

Out of the 38 videos analyzed, only one video mentioned irritation risk, two addressed sun protection and none mentioned contact dermatitis risk or advised consulting a dermatologist, according to the study. — Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026

The most common issue was irritant contact dermatitis, or non-allergic skin inflammation—this surfaced in 42% of patients. — Korin Miller, Allure, 7 Oct. 2026

Formaldehyde exposure has been linked to dermatitis and uterine cancer. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026

In rare cases, the derm says, some people may have underlying skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis or eczema, or even an allergy to the ingredients in certain lip products, which could exacerbate dryness and redness. — Lindy Segal, Glamour, 8 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dermatitis

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

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