Which type of skin condition is characterized by dryness and flakiness?

The skin condition characterized by dryness and flakiness is psoriasis. This chronic autoimmune condition causes rapid skin cell turnover, leading to the buildup of thick, silvery scales and dry, red patches on the skin. The excessive growth of skin cells disrupts the normal shedding cycle, resulting in the accumulation of dry, flaky skin. Individuals with psoriasis often experience dry, itchy areas, which can become inflamed and uncomfortable.

While other conditions on the list may involve dryness, psoriasis is specifically known for its distinctive scaling and flaking associated with immune system dysfunction, making it the most fitting answer to the question. Eczema can also cause dryness, but it tends to involve redness and inflammation rather than the thick scales characteristic of psoriasis. Keratosis pilaris usually presents with small, rough bumps rather than generalized dryness and flakiness, and vitiligo is primarily recognized for the loss of skin pigmentation rather than dry skin.