Which term refers to an inflammatory condition of the skin?

The term that refers to an inflammatory condition of the skin is dermatitis. Dermatitis encompasses a range of inflammatory skin conditions characterized by redness, swelling, and often itching. It is a broad term that includes various conditions such as eczema, contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis, all of which arise due to various triggers including allergens, irritants, and even stress.

In contrast, excoriation refers to the act of scratching, which can lead to skin damage but does not specifically indicate an inflammatory condition. A fissure refers to a split or crack in the skin, commonly seen in very dry skin or certain conditions, while dyschromias describe abnormal skin pigmentation, which is not inherently inflammatory but rather a change in color or appearance of the skin. Thus, dermatitis is the most accurate term that captures the idea of an inflammatory process occurring in the skin.