Clinical photography of dermatologic disease. This is a close-up, lateral view of the posterior neck and occipital scalp near the hairline, showing erythematous, well-demarcated plaques with thick, silvery scales consistent with active plaque psoriasis. Lesions extend along the nuchal region and behind the ear, with mild induration and irregular borders in places. The skin surface exhibits adherent scale and subtle fissuring; surrounding skin is relatively normal. The color is red-erythematous with a metallic sheen from the scales, and there is minimal lichenification. This plaque morphology—sharply demarcated erythematous plaques with overlying silvery scale—reflects classic psoriasis pattern, commonly seen on scalp, neck, and extensors. No pustules or erosions are evident. The image demonstrates typical disease distribution in the head and neck area and highlights the keratotic scale with underlying epidermal hyperplasia. Clinically, this appearance supports the diagnosis of plaque psoriasis; differential considerations include seborrheic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, tinea capitis/corporis, and pityriasis rosea in variant presentations. Diagnostic significance lies in recognizing plaque psoriasis morphology for treatment planning, including topical corticosteroids or vitamin D analogues, calcineurin inhibitors in selected cases, and consideration of phototherapy for extensive disease. Educationally, this image aids lesion recognition, distribution mapping, and patient counseling. It is suitable for teaching reference.

This clinical photograph displays a well-demarcated skin lesion characteristic of scalp psoriasis, located at the posterior hairline and extending onto the neck. The affected area is a prominent erythematous plaque with a vivid reddish-pink hue, indicating underlying inflammation. The lesion is characterized by thick, micaceous (silvery-white to yellowish) scales that are most densely concentrated along the irregular borders, partially adhering to the hair shafts and the scalp surface. The central portion of the plaque shows visible skin thickening and hyperkeratotic texture with less dense scaling. The surrounding skin appears relatively normal, though the plaque exhibits sharp demarcation from the healthy tissue. This image serves as a classic educational example of plaque psoriasis affecting the scalp and hairline, demonstrating key diagnostic features such as well-defined erythema and characteristic scaling patterns relevant for dermatology and primary care education.

Clinical photograph of the scalp and posterior neck demonstrating active psoriasis vulgaris with scalp involvement extending to the nuchal (occipital) region. Imaging modality: noninvasive dermatologic photography; technique: wide-field, non-magnified view under standard lighting. The primary subject is human skin within the scalp dermatome area and neck, featuring erythematous plaques with finely adherent silvery-white scales, variable plaque thickness, and marginal scaling at the hairline. Notable features include well-demarcated, raised erythema, diffuse desquamation, and minimal excoriation in exposed areas. The lesions appear on the vertex and temporal regions as well as the posterior scalp transitioning to the occipital neck, consistent with psoriatic plaque morphology. From a diagnostic standpoint, these findings are characteristic of psoriasis vulgaris involving the scalp, with potential involvement of the nuchal region; differential diagnoses include seborrheic dermatitis, tinea capitis, eczema, and lichen planus. Clinically, the image underscores the importance of recognizing psoriasis in hair-bearing areas due to treatment implications (topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, coal tar preparations, or phototherapy) and possible assessment for psoriatic arthritis in long-standing disease. This image is relevant for clinical education, dermatology research, and narrative case assist in medical literature reviews and teaching modules. It supports diagnosis, therapy planning, and patient education resources for clinicians.

This clinical photograph shows a close-up view of the human scalp and posterior hairline, demonstrating well-demarcated erythematous plaques characteristic of scalp psoriasis. The lesions are covered with thick, silvery-white micaceous scales that adhere to both the underlying inflamed skin and the proximal hair shafts. The distribution is patchy, with prominent plaques extending beyond the frontal and temporal hair-bearing areas onto the adjacent non-terminal hair skin. The surrounding dark hair remains intact but contains scattered fine, flaky white debris (secondary scaling). The visible borders of the primary plaque are distinct and irregular. This image is an educational example of inflammatory dermatoses of the scalp, specifically illustrating the classic morphology and scaling pattern of psoriasis and pseudotinea amiantacea.