What is a common characteristic of Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is primarily characterized by inflamed red patches on the skin, a hallmark of the condition. These inflamed patches are often covered with silvery-white scales, indicating the rapid turnover of skin cells that is typical in psoriasis. The inflammation stems from an immune response that causes excessive skin cell growth, leading to these visible symptoms.

While small itchy bumps, white patches, and dry, pitted nails can occur in various skin conditions, they are not defining characteristics of psoriasis. The presence of inflamed red patches is a key indicator used by healthcare providers to diagnose and understand the severity of psoriasis in patients. Recognizing this main characteristic is essential in the overall assessment and management of the condition.