What type of skin condition can lead to excessive flaking if not treated properly?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition characterized by the rapid turnover of skin cells, leading to thick, red patches covered with silvery scales. This accelerated cell turnover often results in excessive flaking of the skin, particularly in areas such as the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. If psoriasis is not treated adequately, the flaking can become more pronounced, leading to discomfort, itching, and even situations of secondary infections due to skin barrier disruption.

In contrast to psoriasis, a fungal infection might cause scaling and peeling but generally does not lead to the same type of thick, flaky patches characteristic of psoriasis. An allergic reaction can also result in flaking but is often coupled with redness, swelling, and irritation rather than the chronic scaling observed in psoriasis. Contact dermatitis can lead to dry and flaky skin as a reaction to an irritant or allergen, but it differs from psoriasis, which is a specific long-term condition with a distinct pathophysiology.

Understanding psoriasis and its implications allows estheticians to provide appropriate care and recommend treatments that can alleviate symptoms and improve the skin’s condition.