# dermatitis

/ˌdɝməˈtaɪtɪs/ (US) · /dˌɜːmɐtˈaɪtɪs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dermatitis
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

a skin condition that causes redness, itching, and sometimes a rash. It can be caused by things like dry weather, chemicals, or an allergic reaction.

For teachers: an inflammatory condition of the skin characterized by redness, itching, and often a rash. It can be triggered by various factors including allergens, irritants, or environmental stressors.

## Examples

- The doctor diagnosed her with contact dermatitis.
- He developed severe dermatitis after working with the harsh chemicals in the factory without proper gloves.
- While some cases of dermatitis respond well to topical corticosteroids, others require a more comprehensive approach to identify and eliminate the underlying allergen from the patient's environment.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.