Psoriasis is characterized by which of the following?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that leads to the rapid proliferation of skin cells, resulting in thickened skin and distinctive lesions. One of the hallmark features of psoriasis is the presence of silvery scales on the skin lesions. These scales are formed due to the buildup of dead skin cells that are not shed properly, creating visible patches that are often red and inflamed. The silvery appearance is a key visual characteristic used by healthcare providers to diagnose this disease.

The other options describe conditions that may occur in different dermatological or medical issues but are not defining features of psoriasis. Excessive hair growth, chronic itching, and hair loss are not specific to psoriasis and can be observed in various other skin diseases or systemic conditions. Therefore, the defining characteristic of psoriasis is the presence of silvery scales on skin lesions.