What is the medical term for inflammation of the sweat glands?

The medical term for inflammation of the sweat glands is hidradenitis. This term is derived from the Greek word "hidros," meaning sweat, and "adenitis," which refers to inflammation of a gland. Hidradenitis can occur in the glandular tissue of the skin where sweat glands are located, often resulting in painful lumps, abscesses, and chronic skin changes.

Understanding why this term is used is essential for recognizing conditions related to skin and glandular health. It is particularly relevant for medical assistants and healthcare professionals as they assess and treat skin conditions. The other terms listed refer to inflammation of different body structures or systems. Dermatitis pertains to skin inflammation, pneumonitis is inflammation of the lung tissue, and arthritis refers to joint inflammation, highlighting the specificity of hidradenitis to sweat glands.