dermatitis

noun

der·​ma·​ti·​tis ˌdər-mə-ˈtī-təs How to pronounce dermatitis (audio)
plural dermatitides ˌdər-mə-ˈti-tə-ˌdēz How to pronounce dermatitis (audio) or dermatitises
: inflammation of the skin

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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

Recent Examples on the Web How to treat seborrheic dermatitis The most effective way to treat seborrheic dermatitis is by using an anti-dandruff shampoo that contains ingredients like ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, and salicylic acid. Krissy Brady, SELF, 5 Mar. 2024 Atopic Dermatitis Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common forms of eczema. Amanda Gardner, Health, 4 Mar. 2024 The most common type, atopic dermatitis, causes chronic itchy and dry and cracked skin, and it is strongly associated with allergies such as asthma or hay fever. Aria Bendix, NBC News, 23 Nov. 2023 Its fine crystals gently buffed away our patches of contact dermatitis. Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 16 Feb. 2024 Dandruff flakes are a manifestation of the skin condition seborrheic dermatitis. USA TODAY, 20 Jan. 2024 In June 2022, in Boston, carbon monoxide levels were at less than 0.2 parts per million, and the number of clinic visits for atopic dermatitis and eczema was under 20. Amit Katwala, WIRED, 10 Jan. 2024 Atopic dermatitis can show up anywhere on the body. Jessie Van Amburg, Health, 18 Dec. 2023 Dandruff, or as it’s formally called seborrheic dermatitis, is a condition that causes scaly patches and flaky skin, according to The Mayo Clinic. Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 9 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dermatitis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dermatitis was in 1876

Dictionary Entries Near dermatitis

Cite this Entry

“Dermatitis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dermatitis. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

dermatitis

noun
der·​ma·​ti·​tis ˌdər-mə-ˈtīt-əs How to pronounce dermatitis (audio)
plural dermatitides -ˈtit-ə-ˌdēz How to pronounce dermatitis (audio) or dermatitises
: inflammation of the skin

Medical Definition

dermatitis

noun
der·​ma·​ti·​tis ˌdər-mə-ˈtīt-əs How to pronounce dermatitis (audio)
plural dermatitises or dermatitides -ˈtit-ə-ˌdēz How to pronounce dermatitis (audio)
: inflammation of the skin

called also dermitis

dermatitic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on dermatitis

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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