- Parents Home
- Para Padres
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Flu Center
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Heart Health
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Newborn Center
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- Pregnancy Center
- Q&A
- Recipes
- School & Family Life
- Sports Medicine Center
- Videos
- Kids Home
- Para Niños
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Feelings
- Getting Help
- Health Problems
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Heart Center
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Movies & More
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Q&A
- Recipes & Cooking
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Stay Safe Center
- Staying Healthy
- Staying Safe
- Videos
- Teens Home
- Para Adolescentes
- Asthma Center
- Be Your Best Self Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos
- Your Body
- Your Mind
A to Z: Dermatitis
Dermatitis (dur-muh-TYE-tis) is inflammation of the skin that causes itching and discomfort. There are many types of dermatitis.
More to Know
Dermatitis can be the result of contact with an allergen or substance like poison ivy or detergents (contact dermatitis). It also can be caused by oily skin or hair (seborrheic dermatitis, also known as cradle cap in infants). Atopic dermatitis (eczema), another type of dermatitis, runs in families and is often associated with allergies or asthma.
Symptoms of dermatitis include itching, burning, or swelling on the surface of the skin. Blisters, scaly, dry or thick skin, and a red rash also may develop. The condition is not contagious.
Treatment depends on the type of dermatitis and what caused it. The doctor may recommend thoroughly washing the area with water or applying moisturizers, corticosteroid skin creams, or other ointments to the affected area. Corticosteroid pills may be prescribed to treat severe cases. Sometimes doctors will recommend leaving it alone.
Keep in Mind
Dermatitis is a nuisance but usually not a serious health problem. It can, however, turn into a bacterial skin infection if not treated properly, so always contact your doctor if you see signs of dermatitis.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995- The Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth® is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.