Xerosis refers to which condition?

• A. Itching
• B. Scaling
• C. Dry skin
• D. Blisters

Answer: (C)

Xerosis means dry skin. It describes an abnormal lack of moisture in the outer skin layer (the stratum corneum), so the skin becomes rough, flaky, and sometimes fissured. The key idea is the dehydration of the skin and the compromised barrier that lowers water content, which can be worsened by cold, dry air, hot showers, and harsh soaps. It can be associated with itching, but itching is a symptom, not the definition. Scaling can occur as skin cells shed from dryness, while blisters point to other processes and aren’t characteristic of xerosis. Understanding this helps you connect the dryness to both the appearance and the treatment: moisturize to restore water and lipids, protect the skin, and minimize irritants.