Which skin condition is characterized by red patches and silvery scales?

The condition characterized by red patches and silvery scales is psoriasis. This autoimmune disorder leads to an accelerated skin cell life cycle, which causes cells to build up rapidly on the skin’s surface. The buildup results in raised, inflamed patches covered with silvery-white scales. These patches can be itchy and may crack or bleed in more severe cases. Psoriasis commonly appears on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, but it can occur anywhere on the body.

Understanding the distinct appearance and symptoms of psoriasis is important for proper diagnosis and treatment. In contrast, eczema typically presents as itchy, inflamed patches without the silvery scales. Dermatitis can refer to various types of skin inflammation, but it usually does not have the distinctive scaling characteristic of psoriasis. Alopecia, on the other hand, pertains to hair loss and is not related to the described skin patches.