Which skin condition involves red patches covered with silvery scales?

The condition characterized by red patches covered with silvery scales is psoriasis. This autoimmune disorder manifests in the skin, leading to accelerated skin cell production, which causes the buildup of cells that form the noticeable patches. The inflammation involved can also cause the skin to appear red, while the excess skin cells create the silvery scales.

Psoriasis commonly affects areas such as the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, and it is known for its chronic nature, often requiring long-term management. The presence of both red patches and scales is a hallmark feature of this condition, distinguishing it from others that may involve similar symptoms but lack the specific scaling characteristic, such as eczema or dermatitis, which typically present differently in terms of appearance and texture.