Psoriatic Arthritis – Part 1 - Health Plus Digest

Psoriatic arthritis is one of over 100 different types of arthritic conditions that is often associated with individuals who suffer from psoriasis of the skin. Psoriasis is a chronic condition that affects 2% of the Caucasian population in the United States. Individuals who suffer from psoriasis experience patchy, raised, red areas of the skin that become flamed and scaling. The most common areas of the body that are affected are the elbows, knees, scalp, naval and around the genital areas. About 10% of those who suffer from psoriasis will also develop an associated inflammation of the joints, called psoriatic arthritis. (1)

For the most part, individuals who suffer from psoriasis start to see symptoms prior to the age of 20. The onset of psoriatic arthritis generally happens in individuals in their 40s and 50s. Men and women are affected equally and the skin disease will precede the arthritis in nearly 80% of the patients. If the arthritis begins before the psoriasis the diagnosis can be difficult and the disease may be more severe.

Psoriatic arthritis is a systemic rheumatic disease, which means that it causes inflammation in body tissues other than in the joints. For instance, the eyes, heart, lungs and kidneys can be affected. Research has shown that persistent inflammation in the joints from psoriatic arthritis can lead to damage that is permanent. Early diagnosis is important to avoid this joint damage. (2)

At this time the exact causes of psoriatic arthritis are not known. While researchers know that individuals who have psoriasis are more at risk, not all individuals with psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis. At this point researchers are unsure if there is a genetic role in the disease but do know that 40% of those who develop psoriatic arthritis will have a family member who has psoriasis or arthritis. Another theory is that psoriatic arthritis can result from an infection that activates the immune system.

Individuals who suffer from psoriatic arthritis will experience pain in their affected joints, swelling in their joints and joints that become warm to the touch. Physicians have identified five different types of psoriatic arthritis which will affect the symptoms that individuals experience over time. The mildest form is called asymmetric psoriatic arthritis that affects joints on only one side of the body, or different joints on each side of the body. Most often fewer than five joints are involved.

References:

(1) American Academy of Dermatology: Psoriatric Arthritis

http://www.aad.org/skin-conditions/dermatology-a-to-z/psoriatic-arthritis

(2) American College of Rheumatology: Psoriatric Arthritis

http://www.rheumatology.org/practice/clinical/patients/diseases_and_conditions/psoriaticarthritis.asp

(3) National Psoriasis Foundation: Types of Psoriatric Arthritis

http://www.psoriasis.org/psoriatic-arthritis/types

(4) Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center: Psoriatric Arthritis

http://www.hopkinsarthritis.org/arthritis-info/psoriatic-arthritis/

Resources:

MayoClinic.com: Psoriatric Arthritis

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/psoriatic-arthritis/DS00476