What does the term "dermatitis" refer to?

The term "dermatitis" specifically refers to inflammation of the skin. This condition encompasses a variety of skin issues characterized by redness, swelling, and itchiness. It can be caused by numerous factors, including allergic reactions, irritants, and environmental conditions. The inflammatory response is the body's way of reacting to harmful stimuli, and in the case of dermatitis, this reaction results in the prominent symptoms associated with the condition.

While the other options involve different aspects of skin health, they do not accurately capture the essence of dermatitis. An infection of the skin involves pathogens, whereas dermatitis is primarily an inflammatory process. A condition of dry skin pertains to a distinctly different issue known as xerosis, and abnormal skin growth relates to tumors or lesions rather than inflammation. Therefore, the definition of dermatitis is clearly centered on inflammation, which highlights the importance of understanding various skin conditions in the context of the integumentary system.