Dermatitis is a medical term for inflammation of the skin that causes redness, itching, swelling, or a rash.

Many things can trigger dermatitis. Contact dermatitis happens when your skin touches something irritating, like poison ivy, certain soaps, or nickel in jewelry. Your skin might become red and itchy where it made contact. Atopic dermatitis, also called eczema, is a chronic condition where patches of skin become dry, itchy, and inflamed, often appearing on the inside of the elbows or behind the knees.

Doctors treat dermatitis based on what's causing it. Sometimes avoiding the trigger is enough: switching to gentler soap, staying away from certain plants, or removing jewelry made with irritating metals. Other times, medicated creams or ointments help reduce inflammation and itching.

While dermatitis can be uncomfortable and annoying, it's rarely dangerous. Most cases clear up with proper care and treatment. If you notice persistent rashes or skin irritation, a doctor or dermatologist (a skin specialist) can figure out what's causing it and recommend the right treatment.