Xerosis, or a dry, fine scaling of the skin, is common in patients with advanced cancer.
It occurs most commonly on the scalp, lower legs, arms, hands, the knuckles, the sides of the abdomen, and thighs. Most associated symptoms are scaling (the visible peeling of the outer skin layer), itching, and skin cracking.
Treatment is symptomatic with topical moisturizing medication.

Woodruff R. Palliative medicine evidence-based symptomatic and supportive care for patients with advanced cancer. Fourth edition. Oxford University Press, 2004. (p. 350)