What is the condition characterized by abnormal skin inflammation?

The condition characterized by abnormal skin inflammation is dermatitis. Dermatitis refers to a general term encompassing various skin conditions that result in inflammation, redness, itching, and irritation of the skin. It can manifest in several forms, including atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis.

The key aspect of dermatitis is that it represents an inflammatory response of the skin, which can be triggered by allergens, irritants, or even internal factors such as stress and genetic predisposition. This distinguishes dermatitis as a more inclusive term compared to specific conditions like psoriasis or eczema, although these can also involve inflammation. Eczema is often used interchangeably with dermatitis, but it specifically refers to a type of inflammatory skin condition typically characterized by red, itchy patches.

Psoriasis, while also an inflammatory skin condition, is an autoimmune disorder that leads to rapid skin cell reproduction, resulting in thick, scaly plaques. Shingles, on the other hand, is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, and while it can involve inflammation and painful rashes, it is not primarily characterized as a skin inflammation condition like dermatitis.