What skin disorder is characterized by the overproduction of skin cells leading to thick, scaly patches?

The skin disorder characterized by the overproduction of skin cells leading to thick, scaly patches is psoriasis. This condition is an autoimmune disease that accelerates the growth cycle of skin cells, resulting in the formation of red patches covered with thick, silvery scales.

In psoriasis, the immune system mistakenly attacks skin cells, causing them to proliferate at a much faster rate than normal. Normally, skin cells shed and renew at a rate that allows for smooth and healthy skin, but in psoriasis, this process is disrupted, leading to the visible thick and flaky patches. These patches can appear anywhere on the body but are commonly found on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.

Understanding the nature of psoriasis helps differentiate it from other skin disorders. For instance, eczema primarily involves inflammation and is more associated with itching and irritation rather than the thick scaling typical of psoriasis. Dermatitis is a broad term for any inflammation of the skin and can vary greatly in appearance and cause, while rosacea primarily affects the face and is characterized by facial redness and visible blood vessels rather than scaling.