Psoriatic Arthritis
What is it?
Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory joint disease associated with psoriasis, a chronic skin disease. It is estimated that between five and 23 percent of people with psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis. The joint disease can present itself in a variety of ways and its symptoms can be similar to those of various other forms of arthritis. On average, joint disease appears about 10 years after the first signs of psoriasis.
Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease that results in itchy patches of skin that have a red base with a silvery scale on top. The rash most commonly appears on the elbows, knees and scalp, but may be found anywhere on the body. The fingernails and toenails also are commonly affected by psoriasis, with pitting, separation of the nail from the underlying nail bed, and transverse ridging and cracking. Nail involvement is the only clinical feature that identifies patients with psoriasis who are likely to develop arthritis.
Men and women are equally likely to develop psoriatic arthritis; white people are more likely to have the disease than African or Asian Americans. People of all ages can develop psoriatic arthritis, but the peak incidence is between 30 and 55 years of age.
The cause of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis is not known, but genetic, environmental and immunologic factors appear to play roles. There is no cure for psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, but there are things you can do and medicines you can take to lessen your pain and maintain movement and function.
