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
Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 9 June 2025
The symptoms of the disease manifested in stages known as the four d’s: dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia and death.
—Asia London Palomba, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 June 2025
Calamine: Using medicated lotion may help for poison ivy, oak, or other types of contact dermatitis.
—Sarah Jividen, Health, 22 May 2025
For those where there may be a component of contact dermatitis, patch testing can be a helpful way to determine the specific etiology.
—Team Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 3 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 19 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dermatitis
noun
or dermatitises
Medical Definition
dermatitis
noun
called also dermitis
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