dermatitis

dermatitis Inflammation of the skin. Dermatitis has many causes, including direct contact with an irritating substance; allergic reaction to an inhaled, ingested, or injected allergen; eczema; or underlying immune disease. Symptoms of dermatitis include redness, itching, and in some cases, blistering. Noneczematous dermatitis is usually caused by direct contact with an irritant. Frequent offenders include detergents, especially those with perfumes; chemicals used in photo development; ammonia from decomposing urine in an infant’s diapers (diaper dermatitis); and some types of solvents. Treatment involves identifying and avoiding substances that cause attacks and, during attacks, using topical treatments, such as steroid creams. See also eczema.