Arizona Esthetics State Board Practice Exam

A skin condition characterized by the presence of thick, red patches covered with silvery-white scales is known as?

1. Dermatitis

2. Psoriasis

3. Rosacea

4. Eczema

The correct answer is: Psoriasis

The skin condition described as having thick, red patches covered with silvery-white scales is known as psoriasis. This chronic autoimmune condition primarily affects the skin, leading to an accelerated skin cell life cycle that results in the buildup of cells on the surface. This buildup creates the noticeable plaques that are characteristic of the condition, which can be itchy and painful. Psoriasis can also vary in severity and may affect larger areas of the body, sometimes leading to more complex issues like joint inflammation. Other conditions, such as dermatitis or eczema, typically present differently, often involving redness, itching, and inflammation but without the distinctive silvery scales that psoriasis is known for. Rosacea, on the other hand, is primarily characterized by facial redness and sometimes acne-like bumps, but it does not lead to the thick patches seen in psoriasis. Understanding these distinctions helps in recognizing and diagnosing skin conditions accurately.