Which condition is characterized by red skin with a silvery appearance?

Which condition is characterized by red skin with a silvery appearance?

• A. Eczema
• B. Rosacea
• C. Psoriasis
• D. Vitiligo

Answer: (C)

Red patches covered by thick, silvery scales are classic for psoriasis. The silvery appearance comes from the buildup of flaky scales on inflamed skin because skin cells multiply much faster than normal and reach the surface as scales. This typically shows up as well-defined plaques on areas like the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, and can be itchy or painful, sometimes with nail changes or joint involvement. Eczema tends to be dry, intensely itchy, and inflamed but lacks the characteristic thick silvery scales. Rosacea presents mainly as facial redness with flushing and visible blood vessels, not silvery scales. Vitiligo shows depigmented white patches where pigment is lost, not red skin with scales.

Red patches covered by thick, silvery scales are classic for psoriasis. The silvery appearance comes from the buildup of flaky scales on inflamed skin because skin cells multiply much faster than normal and reach the surface as scales. This typically shows up as well-defined plaques on areas like the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, and can be itchy or painful, sometimes with nail changes or joint involvement.

Eczema tends to be dry, intensely itchy, and inflamed but lacks the characteristic thick silvery scales. Rosacea presents mainly as facial redness with flushing and visible blood vessels, not silvery scales. Vitiligo shows depigmented white patches where pigment is lost, not red skin with scales.