What is the skin disease characterized by red patches and white or silver scales?

Psoriasis is characterized by distinct red patches covered with thick, silvery-white scales. This autoimmune condition accelerates the life cycle of skin cells, causing them to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin. These patches can be itchy and sometimes painful, and they typically appear on elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, although they can occur anywhere on the body.

The features of psoriasis, particularly the thick scales and the pattern of skin lesions, differentiate it from conditions like eczema or dermatitis, which may present with redness and irritation but typically do not have the silvery scaling that is a hallmark of psoriasis. Rosacea, similarly, is associated with redness but tends to involve facial flushing and sometimes pustules without the characteristic scaling seen in psoriasis. Therefore, understanding these distinctions helps in recognizing psoriasis and managing it effectively in a clinical or aesthetic setting.