What type of skin condition is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition characterized by the rapid growth of skin cells that form scales and red patches, which can be itchy and sometimes painful. The immune system mistakenly attacks normal skin cells, leading to inflammation and an overproduction of these skin cells. This condition is not caused by an infectious agent like a bacterium or fungus, nor is it merely a response to an allergen. Understanding psoriasis as an autoimmune condition highlights the need for specific treatment approaches aimed at modulating the immune response rather than treating it like a typical infection or allergic reaction.