Dermatitis (dur-muh-TYE-tis) is inflammation of the skin that causes itching and discomfort. Contact dermatitis can be the result of contact with an allergen or substance like poison ivy or detergents. More to Know There are many types of dermatitis. Dermatitis also can be caused by oily skin or hair (seborrheic dermatitis, also known as cradle cap in infants). Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a type of dermatitis that runs in families and often is 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 may also 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 not generally 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. Back to Articles Related Articles A to Z: Dermatitis, Seborrheic Learn about seborrheic dermatitis, inflammation of the skin that causes itching and discomfort. Read More Dandruff If you're worried about dandruff, you're not alone. Dandruff can start in puberty, and lots of teens and adults live with it. Learn how to control it. Read More Dandruff Got flakes? Most cases of dandruff don't require a visit to a doctor's office. Treat them at home with special, over-the-counter dandruff shampoos. Read More Cradle Cap (Seborrheic Dermatitis) in Infants This harmless condition - the infant form of dandruff - causes rough, scaly patches on a baby's skin. Read More Rashes Learn about rashes in a flash. Check out our article just for kids! Read More Eczema Eczema is a common skin problem among teens. If you have eczema, read this article to find out more about it and how you can deal with the skin stress. Read More Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Eczema can be an itchy nuisance and cause scratching that makes the problem worse. Many kids who have eczema today will be over it by the time they're teens. Read More Eczema Everybody has dry skin once in a while, but eczema is more than just that. If your skin is dry, itchy, red, sore, and scaly, you may have eczema. Learn more about this uncomfortable condition and what you can to do stop itching! Read More Skin, Hair, and Nails Our skin protects the network of tissues, muscles, bones, nerves, blood vessels, and everything else inside our bodies. Hair and nails are actually modified types of skin. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.