noun

dermatitis

dur-muh-TY-tiss

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Dermatitis (noun) means Inflammation of the skin, typically appearing as redness, itching, swelling, dryness or blistering. It is a general term covering several distinct conditions with different causes rather than a single disease. Example: “The rash on his hands was diagnosed as dermatitis.”

noun

Inflammation of the skin, typically appearing as redness, itching, swelling, dryness or blistering. It is a general term covering several distinct conditions with different causes rather than a single disease.

"The rash on his hands was diagnosed as dermatitis."

"Dermatitis flared every winter when the heating went on."

technical Any of the named conditions within that group, such as contact dermatitis, caused by something touching the skin, seborrhoeic dermatitis, affecting oily areas including the scalp, and atopic dermatitis, the long-term form usually called eczema.

"Patch testing confirmed contact dermatitis from the nickel in the watch strap."

How to use dermatitis

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSkin that has become red, itchy and inflamed.

When to use it

Medical term in general use; plural dermatitides in formal medical writing. Spelled seborrhoeic in British English and seborrheic in American English.

Memory tip

The -itis ending always signals inflammation, as in arthritis or tonsillitis; derma- always signals skin.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

eczema → psoriasis → rosacea → urticaria

Common pairings

contact dermatitis atopic dermatitis seborrhoeic dermatitis perioral dermatitis

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The rash on his hands was diagnosed as _____.

Etymology

From Greek derma, meaning skin, plus -itis, the medical suffix denoting inflammation.

Origin: Greek

Synonyms

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eczema skin inflammation

Related words

eczema

Rhymes for dermatitis

itis gastritis hepatitis arthritis laryngitis bronchitis meningitis appendicitis encephalitis

See all rhymes for dermatitis →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between dermatitis and eczema?

The words overlap heavily and are often used interchangeably. Dermatitis is the broader term for inflamed skin from any cause, while eczema in everyday use usually means atopic dermatitis, the long-term itchy form that often begins in childhood.

What is contact dermatitis?

It is skin inflammation triggered by direct contact with a substance, either because the substance irritates skin generally or because the person has become sensitised to it. Common triggers include metals, fragrances, detergents and plants.

Is dermatitis contagious?

No. It is an inflammatory response in the affected person's own skin and does not pass from one person to another by contact.

What is the meaning of dermatitis?

"dermatitis" (noun) means inflammation of the skin, typically appearing as redness, itching, swelling, dryness or blistering. It is a general term covering several distinct conditions with different causes rather than a single disease.

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