Word parts
What it means
A general word for red, irritated, often itchy skin. Contact dermatitis comes from something that touched the skin, such as poison ivy, latex, nickel or a harsh soap. Atopic dermatitis is another name for eczemaEG-zuh-muhA long-lasting skin condition that comes and goes, in which the skin barrier is weak and patches of skin become inflamed; also called atopic dermatitis.Full entry . Diaper dermatitis is diaper rash, and incontinence-associated dermatitis comes from skin left wet with urine or stool.
For the nurse
Find and remove the cause when there is one. Keep the skin clean and dry, use mild soap and moisturizer, and apply creams as ordered. For clients who are incontinent, clean the skin promptly and use a barrier cream.
At a glance
| Spanish | dermatitis |
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Related terms
-itis
A word ending that means inflammation.
pruritus
Itching of the skin.
epidermis
The thin outer layer of the skin.
eczema
A long-lasting skin condition that comes and goes, in which the skin barrier is weak and patches of skin become inflamed; also called atopic dermatitis.
cutane/o
A word root that means skin; derm/o and dermat/o mean the same.