Which skin condition is characterized by excessive dryness and flaking?

The skin condition characterized by excessive dryness and flaking is eczema. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, often leads to areas of the skin that are dry, red, itchy, and can sometimes crack and flake. This condition is frequently triggered by environmental factors, allergens, or irritants, which can exacerbate the dryness and lead to inflammation.

While acne is primarily recognized for its association with oiliness and comedonal lesions, rosacea is characterized by facial redness, flushing, and sometimes pustules but is not associated with significant dryness or flaking. Psoriasis, although it can involve flaking due to rapid skin cell turnover, typically results in thicker, scaly patches rather than the general dryness and flaking seen in eczema. Thus, eczema stands out as the option best describing a condition marked by excessive dryness and flaking of the skin.