What symptom is commonly seen in patients with psoriasis?

In patients with psoriasis, scaly patches of dry skin are a hallmark symptom due to the underlying pathophysiology of the condition. Psoriasis is characterized by an accelerated skin cell turnover process. Normally, skin cells are shed and replaced over several weeks, but in psoriasis, this process occurs excessively within days.

The effect of this rapid turnover causes the skin cells to pile up on the surface, leading to the formation of thick, silvery-white scales and inflamed red patches. This scaly appearance is a direct result of the skin's attempts to shed the surplus cells and also reflects the increased vascularity of the dermis beneath the scales, which enhances the red coloration of lesions.

This symptom is distinct and is often seen on extensor surfaces such as elbows and knees, as well as the scalp and lower back, making it a primary indicator of psoriasis. In contrast, moist, weeping lesions are more characteristic of conditions like eczema or infections rather than psoriasis. Yellowing of the skin may suggest jaundice or other conditions unrelated to psoriasis, while fungal infections typically present with a different set of signs and may not demonstrate the classic scaling associated with psoriasis. Therefore, the presence of scaly patches of dry skin is a fundamental aspect of diagnosing and understanding