What is a common autoimmune skin condition?

Psoriasis is a common autoimmune skin condition that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells. This results in rapid skin cell production, leading to thick, red patches covered with silvery scales. The immune response is characterized by an overactivity of T cells and other immune cells, contributing to inflammation and the accelerated growth cycle of skin cells.

Unlike other skin conditions listed, psoriasis has a specific autoimmune component, making it distinct in its underlying pathology. While conditions like eczema and dermatitis are associated with inflammation and can have autoimmune features, they are primarily linked to allergic reactions and external irritants rather than a direct autoimmune response. Alopecia areata, while also an autoimmune condition affecting hair follicles, is not primarily classified as a skin condition in the same way that psoriasis is, which is characterized by its specific manifestations on the skin itself.