Understanding Psoriatic Arthritis

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Psoriatic arthritis is a form of chronic arthritis that causes joint pain as well as skin symptoms that resemble psoriasis symptoms. About one in four people with psoriasis may also have psoriatic arthritis. Symptoms such as itchy, red, and inflamed skin and skin rashes may be combined with joint pain and stiffness. Over time, the damage psoriatic arthritis causes to joints may result in permanent joint damage.

• Psoriatic arthritis is the result of immune system malfunction. The cause is unknown, although genetic factors may contribute to the disease.
• About one in four people with psoriasis may have psoriatic arthritis.
• The disease can appear at any time but usually occurs in individuals in their 30s, 40s, and 50s.
• In many patients, joint symptoms of psoriatic arthritis may not appear for years after diagnosis; however, in some cases joint symptoms may develop before skin symptoms appear.
• Psoriatic arthritis affects men and women equally.
• Psoriatic arthritis differs from rheumatoid arthritis in that psoriatic arthritis may also involve skin symptoms, including rashes and itching, flaking, and inflammation.
• Psoriatic arthritis tends to settle in the joints of the hands and feet.
• Joint symptoms of psoriatic arthritis range from mild to severe. If left untreated, psoriatic arthritis can become a disabling disease, resulting in permanent joint damage and bone loss.

For more detailed information about psoriatic arthritis, please visit the following resources:

• Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis
• Diagnosing Psoriatic Arthritis
• Importance of  Early Treatment of Psoriatic Arthritis