New Jersey State Board Esthetics Practice Exam

Which of the following conditions is characterized by dry, silvery patches on the skin?

1. Psoriasis

2. Atopic dermatitis

3. Contact dermatitis

4. Seborrheic dermatitis

The correct answer is: Psoriasis

The condition characterized by dry, silvery patches on the skin is psoriasis. This autoimmune disorder leads to an overproduction of skin cells, resulting in thick, scaly plaques that often appear red and inflamed with silver-white scales on the surface. These patches are typically found on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, but they can also occur on any part of the body. Understanding the nature of psoriasis is important as it is distinct from other skin conditions. For example, atopic dermatitis usually presents with red, itchy, and inflamed skin and often affects children, typically forming weeping lesions, rather than the dry patches seen in psoriasis. Contact dermatitis results from skin exposure to allergens or irritants and manifests as red, itchy, and possibly blistering skin, but not with silvery scales. Seborrheic dermatitis appears as red, greasy patches with yellow scales, often impacting areas rich in oil glands, such as the scalp and face, which is quite different from the appearance associated with psoriasis. Thus, the distinctive silvery patches are a hallmark of psoriasis.