What is psoriasis?

What is psoriasis?

• A. Acute dermatitis
• B. Viral skin infection
• C. Chronic skin disorder with thick, scaly patches
• D. Loss of pigment in the skin

Answer: (C)

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that causes the skin to renew itself too quickly, leading to thick, red, scaly plaques that can itch or crack. This pattern—long-lasting flare-ups with thick, silvery scales—fits a chronic skin disorder rather than an acute dermatitis, a viral infection, or a pigment-loss condition like vitiligo. The patches often appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, and trunk and are not contagious. In a barber setting, recognize when you have to be gentle with the area, avoid aggressive shaving or scraping over active plaques, and advise the client to follow a dermatologist’s treatment plan for management.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that causes the skin to renew itself too quickly, leading to thick, red, scaly plaques that can itch or crack. This pattern—long-lasting flare-ups with thick, silvery scales—fits a chronic skin disorder rather than an acute dermatitis, a viral infection, or a pigment-loss condition like vitiligo. The patches often appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, and trunk and are not contagious. In a barber setting, recognize when you have to be gentle with the area, avoid aggressive shaving or scraping over active plaques, and advise the client to follow a dermatologist’s treatment plan for management.