What is dermatitis?

Dermatitis is a general term referring to any inflammation of the skin.

Dermatitis may be caused by irritation or Type IV (delayed-type) hypersensitivity; dermatitis is characterized by erythema (redness), pain, pruritus (itching) vesicles (tiny blisters) and papules (hard bumps).

If 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).

Find out more about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment of dermatitis on the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contact-dermatitis/_Glove glossaryOur free downloadable PDF glossary contains more information on other terms commonly used in the glove industry. Please feel free to take a look or contact us if you can't find the information you need.