Psoriatic Arthritis

Some psoriasis patients may also have joint pain and swelling, due to an inflammatory joint disease called psoriatic arthritis. In fact, up to 30% of psoriasis patients develop psoriatic arthritis.

Asking the right questions will reveal some interesting answers.

What is psoriatic arthritis? What are some symptoms of psoriatic arthritis? What causes psoriatic arthritis

Do the signs of psoriatic arthritis appear at the same time as psoriasis? What types of doctors treat psoriatic arthritis? What are the different types of psoriatic arthritis?



	Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that affects some people who have psoriasis. Most people develop psoriasis first; however, arthritis can sometimes develop before skin lesions appear. PsA causes joint pain and joint swelling.

	Tender swollen joints, back pain, morning stiffness, general fatigue, and nail changes such as pitting or a nail that separates from the nail bed. As always, ask your doctor for more information about your situation.

	Genetics, environmental factors, and the immune system are thought to play a role in the onset of psoriatic arthritis.

	On average, the joint disease appears about 10 years after the first signs of psoriasis. In 85% of patients, skin disease precedes joint disease.

	A dermatologist or a rheumatologist.

	Symmetric: Affects multiple symmetric pairs of joints. Oligoarticular: Affects a few joints in an asymmetric pattern and is usually milder. Distal interphalangeal (DIP): Affects primarily the distal joints of the fingers and toes (the joints closest to the nail). Spondylitis: Predominantly affects the spinal column from the neck to the lower back. Arthritis mutilans: Affects the small joints of the hands and feet, although it can appear in other joints. This rare form of arthritis is severe and destructive.