What is Psoriatic Arthritis?

According to Psoriasis Connections, 42% of those psoriasis patients who have psoriasis and joint pain symptoms together actually have psoriatic arthritis. From a statistical standpoint, 95% of those patients that have a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis have swelling in joints outside of the spinal column and 80% will have nail lesions.

This condition is an immune system disorder that is characterized by skin lesions and joint pain. There is inflammation and redness in both the skin and the joints. The causes of this condition cannot be determined. It can come on suddenly or gradually and sometimes will occur simultaneously. In 70% of the cases of psoriatic arthritis the psoriasis will come first and it can take up to 10 years before the symptoms of the joint pain can surface. There is not a standard for this illness, and there are times that the joint pain may come before the psoriasis symptoms, or will occur simultaneously.

Things to watch out for in this illness are redness and inflammation in the joint tissue. There will be a flattening of the fingers with a bulbous tip. There may be stiffness that is worse in the mornings than at other times. The sufferer may feel fatigued and flushed.

Only a doctor can determine whether or not your joint pain is just age or stiffness, or whether it’s the latest factor in your psoriasis diagnosis. Some joint pain can signal an immune system dysfunction and tests may need to be given in order to determine its cause and the affect it will have on your system. Consult a dermatologist for the tests you’ll need to determine if you have this illness.

Psoriatic arthritis was two illnesses at one time; and there are those who may have rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis at the same time without having the diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis. Now instead of treating two illnesses at the same time, there are now medications and treatments for the combined psoriatic arthritis diagnosis. Some of these treatments include rest and relaxation, a lessening of stress levels in your life. Skin care, light treatments, exercise, and rarely surgery, are also options. Medications can include glucocorticoids such as prednisone or cyclosporine.

For More Information

The National Psoriasis Foundation
6600 SW 92nd Ave, Suite 300
Portland, OR 97223-7195
www.psoriasis.org

American Skin Association
346 Park Avenue South, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10010
www.americanskin.org

American Academy of Dermatology
P.O. Box 4014
Schaumburg, IL 60168-4014
www.aad.org