Veterinary Technician Practice Exam

Which medical term describes inflammation of the skin?

1. Dermatitis

2. Demodicosis

3. Erythema

4. Folliculitis

The correct answer is: Dermatitis

The term that accurately describes inflammation of the skin is dermatitis. Dermatitis encompasses various conditions that lead to skin inflammation, including allergic reactions, irritant responses, and other skin disorders. It broadly refers to the inflammation itself rather than the specific underlying causes, making it the most appropriate term for this condition. Demodicosis refers specifically to a skin condition caused by the overgrowth of Demodex mites, which can lead to inflammation but is not a direct synonym for skin inflammation itself. Erythema is a general term describing redness of the skin due to increased blood flow, which can be a sign of inflammation but does not denote inflammation of the skin in itself. Folliculitis is the inflammation of hair follicles, which is a more specific condition and not synonymous with general skin inflammation.