Definition

Noun: A medical condition characterized by abnormally dry and rough skin. It is considered a mild form of ichthyosis, a group of skin disorders that cause dry, scaly skin.

Usage

"Xerodermia" is a technical, medical term used primarily in dermatology and clinical contexts to describe a specific skin condition. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation.

Examples

• The dermatologist diagnosed the patient with xerodermia after observing the persistent dryness and rough texture of their skin.
• Xerodermia can often be managed with regular use of emollients and moisturizers.
• The study focused on the genetic factors associated with mild forms of ichthyosis, such as xerodermia.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in differential diagnosis to distinguish this specific condition from other causes of dry skin, such as eczema or simple dehydration of the skin.

Variants and Related Words

• Xeroderma (noun): This is a more common synonym and is often used interchangeably with "xerodermia." Both terms share the same Greek roots: (dry) and (skin).
• Xerosis (noun): A general medical term for abnormal dryness of the skin, conjunctiva, or mucous membranes. Xerodermia is a type of xerosis specifically affecting the skin.
• Ichthyosis (noun): The broader category of scaling skin disorders to which xerodermia belongs.

Synonyms

• Xeroderma
• Dry skin (general, non-medical term)
• Asteatosis (a specific type of dry skin caused by deficient sebum)

Notes on Meaning

• The core meaning is pathological, persistent dryness and roughness of the skin, not temporary dryness caused by weather or harsh soaps.
• It is explicitly defined as a mild form of ichthyosis, linking it to a specific family of genetic skin disorders.

Noun

1. a mild form of ichthyosis characterized by abnormal dryness and roughness of the skin