What condition is characterized by rough, dry skin?

The condition characterized by rough, dry skin is known as keratosis. Specifically, keratosis refers to a buildup of keratin on the skin, which can lead to the formation of rough patches. This condition is often associated with damage to the skin due to factors such as sun exposure or aging. It can manifest in various forms, such as actinic keratosis, which occurs due to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light, resulting in dry, scaly patches that may feel rough to the touch.

While other options might present symptoms or conditions related to skin issues, they are not specifically noted for causing rough, dry skin in the same way. For instance, psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that leads to the rapid growth of skin cells, resulting in thick, red, scaly patches rather than a generalized dryness. Osmosis is a biological process and has no direct relation to skin conditions. Xerosis, which refers to extreme dryness of the skin, closely relates to the symptom of dry skin but does not encompass the rough texture associated with keratosis. Thus, keratosis best encapsulates the condition characterized by rough, dry skin.