Dry skin, also known as xeroderma, is a mild condition in which there is insufficient moisture in the skin. This may result in itching, discomfort, and a tight feeling, as well as visible symptoms, such as cracked or rough skin, redness, and peeling or flaking skin.

Environmental factors may cause dry skin, such as the weather, excessive heat, hot baths and showers, frequent swimming, and certain soaps and detergents. Dry skin may also be a symptom of a disease or other condition, for example, atopic dermatitis (eczema) or psoriasis, or because of a vitamin deficiency. 

Treatment of dry skin may involve isolating and addressing the cause of the condition and using moisturizers, medication, or vitamin supplements. Drug classes commonly used to treat dry skin are keratolytic agents, emollients and protectants, other nonsteroidal products for inflammatory skin disorders, lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) antagonists, and humectants.