Xerosis
Pronunciation: ze-ROH-sis
Pathological dryness of the skin resulting from reduced water content in the stratum corneum, commonly presenting as rough, scaly, and pruritic skin.
Full Definition
Xerosis cutis is the clinical term for abnormally dry skin and is distinguished from simple physiological dryness by its chronic or recurrent nature and frequent association with pruritus. It is prevalent in the elderly (xerosis senilis), in atopic individuals, and in patients undergoing systemic therapies such as retinoids or targeted biologics. In editing contexts, 'xerosis' should not be used interchangeably with 'ichthyosis', which implies a hereditary or structural keratinisation defect. The term appears in dermatology outcome measures, quality-of-life instruments, and adverse event scales such as the NCI-CTCAE.
Usage
Usage note: Prefer 'xerosis' over 'dry skin' in clinical manuscripts. Distinguish from 'ichthyosis', which denotes a genetic keratinisation disorder.
In Context
- "Severe xerosis was recorded as a grade 2 adverse event in 34% of patients on the EGFR inhibitor arm." — Oncology-dermatology adverse event table
- "The authors used 'dry skin' throughout; the editor replaced all instances with 'xerosis' per the journal's technical terminology policy." — Copy-editing note