What condition is characterized by an accelerated skin cell turnover?

Psoriasis is characterized by an accelerated turnover of skin cells, which is a hallmark feature of the condition. In psoriasis, the skin cells proliferate at an unusually rapid rate, leading to the buildup of cells on the skin's surface. This process results in the formation of thick, silvery scales and red patches that are often itchy and can be painful.

The rapid skin cell turnover in psoriasis is due to an autoimmune response, where the immune system mistakenly targets skin cells, leading to inflammation and an increased production of keratinocytes, the predominant cell type in the epidermis. This can cause the characteristic symptoms of the disease and also lead to the skin appearing thicker and raised in the affected areas.

Other conditions, such as dermatitis, rosacea, and acne, do have their own specific characteristics but do not predominantly feature accelerated skin cell turnover to the same extent as psoriasis. Dermatitis involves inflammation of the skin often due to allergens or irritants, rosacea is primarily characterized by facial redness and may include visible blood vessels and acne-like breakouts, and acne results from the blockage of hair follicles and the action of bacteria, rather than accelerated skin cell production.