Clinical Diagnosis · Integumentary System · Easy
Dermatitis
Meaning: Inflammation of the skin causing redness, itching and sometimes blistering, often from irritants or allergens.
In practice: The hairdresser developed contact dermatitis on her hands from chemicals.
Word parts
- dermat- means skin
- -itis means inflammation
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related clinical diagnosis words.
Which word means: A potentially life-threatening swelling of the flap that covers the windpipe, which can rapidly block the airway.
Answer: Epiglottitis
Which word means: An abnormally high level of potassium in the blood, which can cause dangerous heart rhythms.
Answer: Hyperkalaemia
Words like dermatitis come up in the daily game
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