Final answer:
The skin condition resulting from epidermal hyperproliferation, characterized by an increased rate of keratinocyte proliferation leading to red, itchy patches with silvery scales, is psoriasis. The correct option is a).
Step-by-step explanation:
The skin condition that is the result of epidermal hyperproliferation, where keratinocytes proliferate at a higher rate than normal, is psoriasis (vulgaris).
In psoriasis, skin cells that grow deep in the skin rise to the surface at a faster rate. This leads to itchy or sore patches of thick, red skin with characteristic silvery scales that commonly appear on elbows, knees, scalp, back, face, palms, and feet.
Psoriasis is more than just a superficial skin disorder; it is an inflammatory condition resulting from an interplay between different cells in the immune system and the skin, including keratinocytes, dendritic cells, and T cells, and involves the cytokines produced by these cells. Option a) is the correct one.