ker·a·to·ly·sis 
(kĕr′ə-tō-līsĭs)
(kĕr′ə-tō-līsĭs)n. pl. ker·a·to·ly·ses (-sēz)
1. The separation or loosening of the horny layer of the epidermis.
2. A skin disease characterized by a periodic shedding of the epidermis.
ker′a·to·lytic (-lĭtĭk) adj.