Which skin condition is characterized by red patches with white-silver scales?

Psoriasis is characterized by the formation of red patches, typically covered with white or silver scales. This autoimmune condition causes rapid skin cell turnover, leading to the accumulation of cells on the skin’s surface. The resulting patches can be itchy and painful, often appearing on the elbows, knees, and scalp, although they can occur anywhere on the body. The distinctive silver scales are a hallmark of this condition and are a key visual indicator that sets psoriasis apart from other skin conditions.

In contrast, other options present different skin issues; for example, a carbuncle is a cluster of interconnected furuncles (boils) that typically involves deeper skin layers and has an inflamed red appearance without the characteristic scaling of psoriasis. Erythema refers to redness of the skin due to increased blood flow, which does not specifically include scaling, and folliculitis is an infection of hair follicles that results in inflamed bumps but lacks the distinct patches and scales seen with psoriasis.