Psoriatic
Arthritis: When Psoriasis and Arthritis Collide
Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic
inflammatory disease that affects the joints and connective tissue,
and it is directly related to psoriasis of the skin; a condition
characterized by skin redness and raised lesions. It is estimated
that approximately ten to thirty percent of individuals with psoriasis
actually develop psoriatic arthritis; however, everyone with psoriatic
arthritis show some signs of psoriasis. According to the National
Psoriasis foundation, eighty-five percent of psoriatic arthritis
patients develop the skin condition prior to the joint disease.
Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include:
- Psoriasis
- Fatigue
- Muscle Stiffness
- Joint pain
- Swollen hands and toes
- Conjunctivitis, or redness/pain in the eyes
Diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis:
Generally, a diagnosis is made after the physician notes the presence
of both psoriasis and joint pain. Though there is no test specifically
for psoriatic arthritis, it is generally determined as such after
ruling out other forms of joint related arthritis along with the
presence of the skin condition. The earlier the diagnosis is made,
the more likely it is that the disease can be managed.
Causes of psoriatic arthritis:
The causes of psoriatic arthritis are currently unknown. Experts
believe that there may be an underlying genetic factor that may
be linked to this condition because over fifty percent of patients
suffering from this syndrome have tested positive for the genetic
marker HLA-B27. However, that number isn’t high enough to
classify this genetic marker as a definitive underlying cause of
psoriatic arthritis. It is believed, therefore, that there may be
external, or environmental, factors that contribute to the development
of this disease as well.
Treatment for psoriatic arthritis:
Physicians may advise you to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
(NSAIDs) drugs, such as ibuprofen, to treat the joint pain, accompanied
by topical skin agents to treat the psoriasis. There are also exercise
and diet regimens that can be helpful in controlling the symptoms.
Alternative medicines and homeopathic treatments can be useful for
preventing the disease from worsening; however, you should contact
your physician before beginning any alternative treatments.
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