What skin condition is characterized by red patches and scaling?

The condition characterized by red patches and scaling is psoriasis. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that leads to the rapid growth of skin cells, resulting in thick red patches covered with silvery scales. This condition is often chronic and can flare periodically, which adds to its characteristic appearance.

While dermatitis and eczema can also manifest with red patches and scaling, they typically involve more inflammation and are often related to allergic reactions or irritations, making their presentation somewhat different from psoriasis. Athlete's foot, on the other hand, is a fungal infection that affects the feet and is generally associated with scaling and itching, but it does not typically present with red patches in the same way as psoriasis. Thus, psoriasis stands out as the most accurate answer for the described skin condition.