Dermatitis

Say: dur-muh-TYE-tus

Have you ever had a red, itchy rash on your skin? Then you've had dermatitis. Dermatitis is an irritation or swelling of the skin.

There are lots of different kinds of rashes — some have bumps, some have blisters, and some are dry and scaly. They can be caused by a chemical (like a soap) that irritates your skin, or happen when you touch something you're allergic to (like poison ivy). Skin conditions like eczema or dandruff also can cause a rash.

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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.