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. Example: “The rash on his hands was diagnosed as dermatitis.”
How to Use Dermatitis
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSkin that has become red, itchy and inflamed.
Medical term in general use; plural dermatitides in formal medical writing. Spelled seborrhoeic in British English and seborrheic in American English.
The -itis ending always signals inflammation, as in arthritis or tonsillitis; derma- always signals skin.
Trace the full origin ↓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.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for dermatitis
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.