Psoriatic Arthritis (also known as arthropathic psoriasis or psoriatic arthropathy) is an illness that affects millions of people. It is known for the scaly patches of skin and the swelling of joints. This type of arthritis is related to the skin condition of psoriasis and it affects about 30% of people with psoriasis. The psoriasis (a skin problem) appears first and the arthritis (a joint problem) occurs later.
Warning Signs
If you have psoriasis and experience the following as well, you may have psoriatic arthritis, and should visit your doctor immediately.
- pain and swelling in your fingers or toes
- small holes (pitting) in fingernails or toenails
- toenails or fingernails lifting away from the skin
- reduced range of motion in joints
- stiffness in the morning
Again, your doctor will be best able to provide you with the right information and a proper diagnosis. Sites like the one you are reading right now, or like the Canadian Arthritis Society can also provide information about arthritic conditions.
Another effect of this condition is the appearance of grey or silvery areas of skin that are very dry. These generally appear around the knees, elbows and lower back. In some cases your fingers will appear sausage like.
The cause of the condition is not known but experts think that a combination of genetic predispositions and the environment play roles in the development of psoriatic arthritis. The most common age for this condition to appear is between ages of 20 and 50.
What makes this condition tricky is that patients are dealing with the two fused diseases. One is of the skin and the one of the joints.
There is no known cure for psoriatic arthritis. The treatments that exist are designed to minimize pain and stiffness.
If you suspect that you have psoriatic arthritis establishing the correct diagnosis is very important as most therapies work best when started early in the disease.
See your doctor.
