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
Idaho Statesman, 24 July 2025
The topical version of the drug typically treats skin conditions like eczema and fungal infections, and Medina Spirit’s trainers used it to treat the horse’s dermatitis.
—Matt Moret, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Improve the appearance of wrinkles Heal wounds, bruises, and dark spots
Lower inflammation
Improve hydration
Improve collagen production
Beef tallow may be especially useful in people with atopic dermatitis, a common type of eczema.
—Health, 14 July 2025
Seborrheic dermatitis, a skin condition affecting nearly half of everyone worldwide, often causes it.
—Brandi Jones, Health, 3 July 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 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dermatitis
noun
or dermatitises
Medical Definition
dermatitis
noun
called also dermitis
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