A patient with rough, dry, scaly skin and Bitot's spots is likely deficient in which vitamin?

The presence of rough, dry, scaly skin and Bitot's spots is strongly indicative of a vitamin A deficiency. Bitot's spots are specifically associated with insufficient vitamin A and are characterized by foamy, grayish-white patches that form on the conjunctiva—the membrane covering the eyeball. This deficiency can significantly affect skin health, as vitamin A plays a crucial role in maintaining epithelial tissues and ensuring proper skin turnover.

In addition to skin symptoms, vitamin A is essential for vision, particularly in low-light conditions. A deficiency can lead not only to skin issues but also to night blindness and other eye-related complications. The skin's health often reflects the overall nutritional status, and vitamin A's role in cell differentiation makes it pivotal for both skin integrity and vision health.

Other vitamins listed, such as vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E, do not present with these particular symptoms and play different roles within the body, further supporting that vitamin A is the most relevant in this scenario.