Esthetics Core Written Practice Test

The skin condition characterized by excessive flaky or scaly patches is psoriasis. This chronic autoimmune disorder leads to the rapid growth of skin cells, resulting in thick, red patches covered with silvery scales. These patches are often itchy and can be found on various parts of the body, including the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. The excessive flakiness and scaling are hallmark signs of this condition, setting it apart from other skin issues.

While eczema may also present with dry, flaky skin, it typically involves more redness, inflammation, and itching, and the patches are often not as thick or scaly as those seen in psoriasis. Acne predominantly manifests as pimples, blackheads, and cysts without the excessive scaling associated with psoriasis. Rosacea is characterized by facial redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes pimples, but lacks the scaling that defines psoriasis. Therefore, psoriasis is clearly the skin condition that matches the description of excessive flaky or scaly patches.