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Psoriatic arthritis
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Disclaimer: Only your physician can diagnose arthritis. Symptoms may vary from person to person. If you are not sure whether you might have arthritis or any other of the conditions listed on this Web site, please consult your doctor.
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Psoriatic arthritis is a condition characterized by the concurrent development of both arthritis and psoriasis. It is affects both the joints and the skin.
Symptoms
Who Gets Psoriatic Arthritis?
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Additional Information
Symptoms
Psoriatic arthritis manifests itself differently in different people. Some of the most common symptoms are:
- changes to the outer joints of the hand
- inflammatory arthritis, similar to rheumatoid arthritis, which is characterized by pain and redness in the joints
- some people experience spinal problems
- psoriasis, which is marked by the development of grey, scaly spots on the scalp, elbows and knees
Who Gets Psoriatic Arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis affects one in 1,000 people in the Untied States. Psoriatic arthritis usually develops in men and women between the ages of 20 and 50.
Causes
The cause of psoriatic arthritis is unknown. Researchers believe certain people have a genetic predisposition to developing the condition. People with severe psoriasis are more prone to developing psoriatic arthritis.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made based upon physical exam, medical history, certain blood tests and an X-ray exam.
Treatment
Usually, the skin and the joint aspects of the disease are treated separately. Joint involvement is treated with anti-inflammatory medications, while treatment for psoriasis is usually done by applying corticosteroid creams.
Additional Information
For more information, visit:
National Psoriasis Foundation at http://www.psoriasis.org or
The Arthritis Foundation at http://www.arthritis.org.
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