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Children's Mercy Hospital

Children's Mercy Hospital

2401 Gillham Road
Kansas City, MO 64108
(816) 234-3000
www.childrensmercy.org


What's Dermatitis?

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.