(dĕr″mă-tīt′ĭs )

pl. dermatitides pl. dermatitises [dermato- + -itis]
An inflammatory rash marked by itching and redness.
SEE: eczema

Dermatitis has many causes, including contact with skin irritants (such as the oil that causes poison ivy or poison oak); venous stasis, with edema and vesicle formation near the ankles; habitual scratching, as is found in neurodermatitis; dry skin, as in winter itch; and ultraviolet light, as in photosensitivity reactions.

No laboratory testing is usually necessary; diagnosis is made by observation of the skin irritation (usually red, rough plaques) and the location on the body (face, neck and upper trunk).

When a source of dermatitis is identifiable (such as in contact dermatitis due to a detergent or topical cosmetic), the best treatment is to avoid the irritating substance and to cleanse the affected area immediately with mild soap and water. Once skin inflammation becomes established, topical corticosteroid ointments or systemic steroids (during extreme exacerbations), topical immunomodulating agents (in patients over 2), weak tar preparations and ultraviolet B light therapy (to increase the thickness of the stratum corneum), and antihistamines may be used, with antibiotics reserved for secondary infections. Dermatologists may prescribe occlusive dressings intermittently to help clear lichenified skin.


Descriptive text is not available for this image


actinic dermatitis

Dermatitis that is usually seen on the face or exposed skin surfaces and typically results from exposure and sensitization to ultraviolet rays. Adults over age 50 may be affected.

Descriptive text is not available for this image

SYN: SEE: photosensitivity dermatitis

allergic contact dermatitis

SEE: Contact dermatitis.

atopic dermatitis

Chronic dermatitis of unknown cause found in patients with a history of allergy. The disease usually begins after the first 2 months of life, and those affected may experience exacerbations and remissions throughout childhood and adulthood. In many cases, there is a family history of allergy or atopy. If both parents have atopic dermatitis, the chances are nearly 80% that their children will have it. Atopic dermatitis is typically found in flexural creases of the body, e.g., the antecubital and popliteal fossae. The skin lesions consist of reddened, cracked, and thickened skin that can become exudative and crusty from scratching. Scarring or secondary infection may occur. Most patients have an elevated level of immunoglobulin E in their serum.

Descriptive text is not available for this image



Descriptive text is not available for this image


berloque dermatitis

SYN: SEE: bergamot phototoxicity.

dermatitis calorica

Dermatitis due to heat, as in sunburn, or cold.

cercarial dermatitis

SEE: Swimmer's itch.

contact dermatitis

Dermatitis due to contact with allergens or an irritating substance. Allergic contact dermatitis is caused by a T-cell-mediated hypersensitivity reaction to natural or synthetic environmental allergens. These combine with skin proteins, altering the normal autoantigens so that new, foreign antigens are created. Nonallergic contact dermatitis, also known as irritative contact dermatitis, is usually caused by exposure to detergent, soap, or other skin irritant.
SYN: SEE: allergic contact dermatitis; SEE: dermatitis venenata (1)

Descriptive text is not available for this image

CONTACT DERMATITIS Allergic reaction to topical anesthetic



Descriptive text is not available for this image

CONTACT DERMATITIS Allergic reaction to topical anesthetic

contagious pustular dermatitis

Dermatitis of sheep and goats caused by Parapoxvirus, a genus of poxvirus, and transmitted to humans by direct contact. The lesion on humans is usually solitary and on the hands, arms, or face. This maculopapular area may progress to a pustule up to 3 cm in diameter and may last 3 to 6 weeks.
SYN: SEE: orf

diaper dermatitis

SEE: Diaper rash.

exfoliative dermatitis

Generalized dermatitis involving at least half the body surface area.
When skin involvement is extensive, the patient may become depressed because of the cosmetic changes.

It may be caused by allergic drug reactions (such as vancomycin or penicillins), other allergies, infiltration of the skin by leukemias or lymphomas, atopy, or psoriasis.

Symptoms include extensive skin redness, swelling, itching, thickening, scaling, often with loss of hair follicles, and swelling of lymph nodes.

The disease is diagnosed by physical assessment of the skin and may be confirmed by biopsy if there is any doubt.

When exfoliative dermatitis results from a drug reaction, withholding the offending agent will usually allow the skin to clear within a few weeks. Lymphomatous exfoliative dermatitis is treated with chemotherapy to combat the primary tumor.

Patients with widespread dermatitis often need hospitalization to maintain normal body temperature, normal hydration, adequate wound care, and symptomatic relief.

SYN: SEE: Leiner disease

factitial dermatitis

Deliberately self-inflicted irritation or injury to the skin.

dermatitis herpetiformis






dermatitis hiemalis

SEE: Winter itch.

incontinence-associated dermatitis

Dermatitis affecting the perineum, upper thighs, or intergluteal folds resulting from chronic exposure to urine or stool.

dermatitis infectiosa eczematoides

Dermatitis during or after a pyogenic disease.

livedo-like dermatitis

SEE: Nicolau syndrome.

meadow dermatitis


dermatitis medicamentosa

SEE: Drug rash.

dermatitis multiformis

A form of dermatitis with pustular lesions.

dermatitis papillaris capillitii

Dermatitis on the scalp and neck, composed of papules interspersed with pustules. The rash ultimately produces scarlike elevations resembling keloids.

photoallergic contact dermatitis

SEE: Photoallergy.

photosensitivity dermatitis

SEE: Actinic dermatitis.

poison ivy dermatitis

Dermatitis resulting from irritation or sensitization of the skin by urushiol, the toxic resin of plants of the genus Toxicodendron (Rhus). There is no absolute immunity. Susceptibility varies greatly, even in the same individual.

Some time elapses between skin contact with the poison and first appearance of symptoms, varying from a few hours to several days, depending on the sensitivity of the patient and the condition of the skin. Moderate itching or a burning sensation is soon followed by small blisters; later manifestations vary. Blisters usually rupture and are followed by oozing of serum and subsequent crusting.


Some barrier creams have been used to prevent poison ivy dermatitis. They are sprayed on the skin before anticipated contact with the plant.


Prevention is important in those with known sensitivity or in those with no previous contact with or reaction to the plant. Instruction of the patient focuses on helping him or her to recognize the plant, to avoid contact with it, and to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants in wooded areas. If contact occurs, the patient should wash with soap and water immediately to remove the toxic oil. Contaminated clothing and pets also should be promptly and thoroughly washed because contact with such items may cause poison ivy dermatitis in other members of the household.

Descriptive text is not available for this image


primary dermatitis

Dermatitis that is a direct rather than an allergic response.

radiation dermatitis

Dermatitis due to radiation exposure.
SYN: SEE: radioepidermitis; SEE: radioepithelitis; SEE: radiodermatitis

radiation recall dermatitis

SEE: Radiation recall

rhus dermatitis

SEE: poison ivy dermatitis; SEE: Toxicodendron

schistosome dermatitis

SEE: Swimmer's itch.

dermatitis seborrheica

SYN: SEE: pityriasis capitis; SEE: seborrhea corporis; SEE: seborrhea sicca



When the condition is limited to the scalp, frequent shampooing and use of mild keratolytic agents are indicated. Shampoos containing selenium are helpful. Generalized seborrheic dermatitis requires scrupulous skin hygiene, frequent washing and shampooing with selenium sulfide suspension to remove scales, keeping the skin as dry as possible, and using dusting powders. Fluorinated corticosteroids may be applied topically to hairless areas, and systemic cortisone preparations may be required. The differential diagnosis includes psoriasis, which should be ruled out; neurologic conditions should be recognized as possible predisposing factors.


stasis dermatitis


Descriptive text is not available for this image

Descriptive text is not available for this image


dermatitis venenata

SEE: 1. Contact dermatitis.

dermatitis verrucosa


This condition may be caused by any of several fungi, including Hormodendrum pedrosoi or Phialophora verrucosa.

dermatitis is a sample topic from the Taber's Medical Dictionary.

To view other topics, please or .
