What describes a condition characterized by persistent dry skin and lack of sebum?

Asteatosis is the condition that best describes persistent dry skin resulting from a lack of sebum. This is primarily due to a deficiency in the natural oils produced by the sebaceous glands, leading to a lack of moisture and the resulting dryness of the skin. Asteatosis can be exacerbated by factors such as aging, environmental conditions, and certain skin disorders.

In contrast to the other options, xerosis refers specifically to dry skin but does not inherently indicate a lack of sebum. Dermatitis is an inflammatory condition that results in red, itchy, and often flaky skin, which may or may not be related to sebum production. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition characterized by rapid skin cell turnover, leading to thick, red, scaly patches, and is not primarily defined by sebum levels or dryness in the same way as asteatosis.

Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why asteatosis is the most accurate term for the described condition of persistent dry skin coupled with a lack of sebum.