What skin condition is characterized by the formation of scales and crusts?

Eczema is a skin condition that is often characterized by dry, itchy patches of skin and can lead to the formation of scales and crusts, especially when the area is scratched or irritated. It is a form of dermatitis that can arise from various triggers, including environmental factors, allergens, and stress. The presence of scales and crusts occurs because of the chronic inflammation and the body's attempt to repair the skin, which can lead to thickening of the skin and the buildup of cells at the surface.

In contrast, pustules refer to small, pus-filled lesions that occur in conditions like acne, while herpes simplex is a viral infection presenting as blisters, not scales or crusts. Verruca, commonly known as warts, are growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are characterized by a rough texture but are not typically associated with scaling or crusting in the same way that eczema is. Therefore, eczema is the skin condition most closely linked with the description of scales and crusts.