Which type of skin lesion produces thick plaques characterized by silvery scales?

Psoriasis is characterized by the presence of thick, often raised plaques that are covered with silvery-white scales. This condition is a chronic autoimmune skin disease that accelerates the life cycle of skin cells, leading to an overproduction of skin cells. As these cells accumulate, they form the thick plaques that are commonly associated with psoriasis. The silvery scales are due to the excessive buildup of this rapid skin cell turnover, which creates a distinct appearance that is an important diagnostic feature.

In contrast, eczema tends to produce itchy, inflamed areas of skin rather than thick plaques. Dermatitis, which encompasses various forms of skin inflammation, can present with different symptoms depending on the trigger but typically does not lead to the thick plaques seen in psoriasis. Acne is primarily characterized by comedones, papules, and pustules rather than scales or plaques. Each of these conditions presents distinct symptoms, making psoriasis recognizable based on its unique features.