Psoriatic Arthritis

General Information on Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a form of psoriasis. It is a condition when the skin and joints become inflamed. The skin gets red patches that appear to be raised with silvery-white scales. This condition is recurring. The patches on the skin from the psoriasis is most typically seen on the elbows, knees, back, buttocks, and scalp and is less frequently seen on the palms, torso, and the soles of the feet. When a person with psoriasis get associated joint pain and swelling, the condition is then referred to as psoriatic arthritis. A person with psoriatic arthritis will most typically present between their forties and fifties and most had general psoriasis first. Both males and females are equally affected. In psoriatic arthritis, there can be swelling in other body tissues that can affect areas such as the eyes, lungs, heart, and kidneys.

Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis

The symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are similar to the symptoms of rheumatic arthritis. Some of the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis may be:

Small red raised patches with slivery-white scales that may itch or hurt
Deformed and thick nails
Joint pain
Swelling in the joints

Treatments For Psoriatic Arthritis

The treatment for psoriatic arthritis is a combination of different medications. Topical medications are most typically given to treat the psoriasis. Phototherapy, which is exposure to ultraviolet light, can be used to help clear up a flare-up. Phototherapy is often combined with psoralens which are drugs that make the skin more sensitive to ultraviolet light. Oral medications may also be given. Anti-inflammatory medications are likely to be given to help with the joint pain and swelling. Exercise is also highly recommended to help prevent and reduce the joint pain and swelling.

Personal Experience

Psoriatic Arthritis - personal experiences