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
Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 6 Mar. 2025
While zinc deficiency increased the risk of atopic dermatitis, the results were not significant.
—Merve Ceylan, Health, 25 Feb. 2025
There’s lots of different kinds of dermatitis, but atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis are among the most common, says Dr. Christina Boull, a dermatologist with M Health Fairview and the University of Minnesota Medical School.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025
This irritation can exacerbate skin diseases like acne, seborrheic dermatitis, and rosacea, and increase the risk of skin infections.
—Cathy Cassata, Health, 25 Feb. 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 22 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dermatitis
noun
or dermatitises
Medical Definition
dermatitis
noun
called also dermitis
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