Juvenile Psoriatic Arthritis

Juvenile psoriatic arthritis can be tricky to diagnose. While psoriasis is a common skin condition, associated primarily with a chronic rash all over the, only about 12 to 14 percent of people with psoriasis will develop related arthritis.

Causes

Genetic and environmental factors play a strong role in the development of psoriatic arthritis. A family history of psoriasis is linked to many children with juvenile psoriatic arthritis, as well as a family history of other forms of spondyloarthropathy. There is little relationship between the severity of a rash and the risk of getting juvenile psoriatic arthritis, however.

NOTE: In some people with juvenile psoriatic arthritis, the arthritis shows up before the rash. In these cases, diagnosis can be so difficult that it may take up to 10 years to be certain of a definite diagnosis.

Signs and Symptoms

• Pitting or thickening and yellowing of the fingernails and toenails
• A small round scaly patch on the scalp, belly button or buttocks
• Joint problems in large joints, such as the hip and sacroiliac joints
• Joint problems can occur on just one side or in the same joints on both sides of the body
• Swelling of entire fingers or toes, making them resemble sausages (dactylitis)
• Eye inflammation occurs in 10 to 20 percent of children

NOTE: Children with juvenile psoriatic arthritis should be examined by an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) annually to check for eye problems.

Long-term Concerns

• Damage to the eyes or other eye problems
• Decreased range of motion of a joint
• Shortening or lengthening of a limb or digit
• Damaged cartilage and/or enlargement of a joint

NOTE: Many children have no long-term consequences of having juvenile psoriatic arthritis. Your child may have none, one or several of the concerns listed above, but you should be on the lookout for any or all of them.