What skin condition involves the rapid overproduction of skin cells?

The condition that involves the rapid overproduction of skin cells is psoriasis. This chronic autoimmune disorder is characterized by the accelerated lifecycle of skin cells, which leads to the formation of thick, red patches covered with silvery scales. Under normal circumstances, skin cells take about a month to mature and shed; however, in psoriasis, this process is significantly shortened to just a few days. This results in an accumulation of cells on the skin's surface, giving rise to the inflammation and visible plaques associated with the condition.

Understanding psoriasis helps to recognize why it is distinct from other skin conditions. Eczema, for example, involves inflammation and itching resulting from various triggers but does not primarily involve the rapid turnover rate of skin cells. Pemphigus is an autoimmune disorder that causes blisters and is characterized by a breakdown of cell adhesion, rather than an overproduction of skin cells. Acne is primarily linked to blocked hair follicles and sebaceous gland activity, not an accelerated rate of skin cell growth. Thus, psoriasis is clearly defined by its unique mechanism of rapid skin cell proliferation.