A term referring to excessively dry skin. This condition often presents as scaly, flaky skin which can be easily shed. Patients often observe that their foot skin feels tight and itchy. This is a very common foot complaint due to irritation from external forces from footwear and interaction with the ground. 

Some medical conditions may also exacerbate drying of the foot — these include diabetes, autoimmune disease, vascular disease, and underactive thyroid. 

It is important to differentiate between dry skin and calluses as the two are often mistaken for each other. Similarly, fungal foot infections are often misdiagnosed as dry skin, and can be mistreated as a result.