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xerodermia

xerodermia

9.9
A skin condition that makes the skin very dry, rough, and itchy
  • noun
  • /ˌzɪəroʊˈdɜrmiə/
  • Specialized
: xerodermia
  • The dermatologist diagnosed the patient with xerodermia after observing the rough patches on her arms.

Examples

  • Treating xerodermia often involves using moisturizers to restore the skin's natural barrier.

  • People with xerodermia may experience discomfort and itchiness, especially in dry climates.

  • She was diagnosed with xerodermia last year.

  • The doctor explained that xerodermia can cause itchiness.

  • The dermatologist diagnosed the patient with xerodermia after observing the rough patches on her arms.

  • People with xerodermia may experience discomfort and itchiness, especially in dry climates.

  • Treating xerodermia often involves using moisturizers to restore the skin's natural barrier.

Synonyms

xeroderma
vsxerodermia
  • Specialized
1 9.9

Very dry, rough skin that flakes and feels uncomfortable

is a milder medical form of that skin condition
xerosis
vsxerodermia
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A condition in which the skin or body tissues are very dry

is limited to the skin rather than other body tissues

How Dry

xeroderma
  • Specialized
1 9.9
xerodermia
  • Specialized
9.9

Surface Forms

xerodermia singular
xerodermias plural

Morphology

xerodermia = xeroderma (opaque) = xero + derm + ia

The step from 'xeroderma' to 'xerodermia' is a straightforward suffixation, but the base 'xeroderma' is formed from Greek combining forms that are not familiar to general learners.

Etymology

Xerodermia comes from Greek parts xero- meaning 'dry' and -dermia meaning 'skin', and it is like the word dermatology which means 'study of skin'. So xerodermia literally means 'dry skin', which is why it describes skin that has become very dry and rough.