What disease is characterized by red patches covered with white scales?

Psoriasis is characterized by red patches covered with thick, silvery-white scales. This skin condition occurs due to an accelerated skin cell turnover, where skin cells build up rapidly on the surface, resulting in these distinct plaques. The appearance of red patches with white scales is a hallmark visual feature that helps in the identification of psoriasis.

The condition typically affects areas such as the knees, elbows, scalp, and lower back, and can be accompanied by discomfort and itching. Understanding its unique presentation is crucial for differentiation from other skin disorders, which may have overlapping symptoms but do not manifest the same characteristic scales and patches.