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 dermatitides (audio) \ or dermatitises

Definition of dermatitis

: inflammation of the skin

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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

The rash may resemble contact dermatitis, or an allergic reaction, but it can be distinguished by the brownish discoloration of the skin that remains after the inflammation subsides. Samantha Lauriello, Health.com, "Keto Rash Is the Latest Side Effect of the Low-Carb Diet—Here's How to Treat It," 29 July 2019 People who have been exposed to it have developed severe burns leading to blistering and dermatitis. oregonlive.com, "Toxic giant hogweed sap that burns, blisters skin found in Clark County," 13 July 2019 Atopic dermatitis can also present as small bumps filled with fluid which break when scratched—and lead to painful infections. Talia Abbas, SELF, "11 Tips for How to Treat Eczema During the Winter," 7 Jan. 2019 Total compensation: $9,949,412 Shareholder return: -37 percent AnaptysBio is developing drugs to combat the medical harms from inflammation, including for dermatitis, asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis and allergies. San Diego Union-Tribune, "How the 16 highest-paid CEOs of San Diego public companies made their money," 14 July 2019 Engelman says one study shows vitamin E relieves symptoms of those with a condition called atopic dermatitis, which causes red, itchy, and irritated skin. Audrey Noble, Harper's BAZAAR, "3 Reasons Why Your Skin Routine Needs Vitamin E," 20 June 2019 Contact dermatitis is generally divided into two categories, according to the Mayo Clinic. Korin Miller, SELF, "Here’s Why Your Same Old Eye Makeup Is Suddenly Causing Irritation," 5 Oct. 2018 For example, people experiencing seborrheic dermatitis — caused by a fungus and resulting in red, flaky skin — should avoid castor oil, which exacerbates the condition. Elizabeth Kiefer, Washington Post, "Cleopatra used it as a beauty aid. Now castor oil is staging a cosmetics comeback.," 8 July 2019 Lipset recalls a protocol for a trial in atopic dermatitis, a form of eczema, that would have required participants to stop using all their usual medications for six weeks to clear their system of drugs. Heidi Ledford, Scientific American, "A Question of Control," 16 May 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dermatitis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of dermatitis

1876, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for dermatitis

dermatitis

noun

English Language Learners Definition of dermatitis

medical : a disease in which the skin becomes red, swollen, and sore

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 dermatitides (audio) \

Medical Definition of dermatitis

: inflammation of the skin

called also dermitis

Other Words from dermatitis

dermatitic \ -​ˈtit-​ik How to pronounce dermatitic (audio) \ adjective

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