Dermatitis

A general term referring to any inflammation of the skin; may be caused by irritation or Type IV (delayed type) hypersensitivity. Characterized by erythema (redness), pain, pruritus (itching) vesicles (tiny blisters) and papules (hard bumps). If the dermatitis continues for a long period of time (becomes chronic), symptoms may expand to include drying, scaling, peeling and keratosis (thickening and hardening of the skin).