What condition is xerosis characterized by in the elderly?

Xerosis is primarily characterized by dry skin, particularly in elderly individuals. As people age, their skin often loses moisture and natural oils, leading to a condition known as xerosis or xerotic skin. This is commonly observed due to various factors such as decreased sebaceous gland activity and environmental factors, which can leave the skin feeling rough, scaly, and prone to irritation.

Although dry mouth, dry eye syndrome, and dry cough are all conditions that can affect the elderly, they do not specifically relate to xerosis. Xerosis is focused on the skin condition, making dry skin the correct characterization of this topic in relation to the elderly. Understanding this distinction is crucial for identifying the specific care and treatment interventions that might be needed for elderly patients experiencing skin dryness.