What is Psoriasis Arthritis
Psoriasis arthritis, otherwise referred to as psoriatic arthritis, is a chronic inflammation of the skin (read psoriasis), and chronic inflammation of the joints in the body (read arthritis). Approximately 10% of all people suffering from the psoriasis skin disease condition suffer from psoriatic arthritis. The general skin disorder if often characterized by red, scaly, and itchy patches in the skin, mostly on the knees, elbows, navel, genitalia, and the scalp. The psoriasis arthritic condition will affect the ankles, knees and joints.
The good news is that many people will experience psoriasis arthritis when they are in the mid 40s to 50s. Having said that, it is important to mention that these two different conditions will not appear at the same time. Many people will have the skin disorder appear first and then followed by the symptoms of arthritis or vice versa. It isn’t uncommon to find someone having symptoms of either psoriasis or arthritis for up to 20 years, before the symptoms of the accompanying condition show their ugly face.
Psoriasis Arthritis: Life threatening
The onset of the symptoms of the accompanying condition would always come with lots of pain and severity of the existing symptoms. It will be characterized by the inflammation of body tissues in addition to the already inflamed skin and joints, including the eyes, spine, kidneys, and heart. Needless to mention, if urgent measures are not taken at the onset of the symptoms, psoriasis arthritis can be a life-threatening condition.
The main cause of this condition is still at large, but scientists and doctors believe that the HLA-B27 gene, and other gene markers, could be responsible for the onset of these unbearable symptoms. There is also the risk factor associated with sudden changes in the body’s immune system, or a compromised immune system altogether.
Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, including the above-mentioned of joints and skin inflammation include ridges or pitting in the nails, and acne in the face. Stiff and painful joints, pain in the back and stiffness and pain in the chest are also a common occurrence among people suffering from psoriasis arthritis. The good news is that inflammation will often attack only a few joints at a time, and the stiffness and pain is normally worse in the morning and during cold weather conditions, such as during the cold winter months.
It is also to be mentioned that despite the co-relation between these two conditions, their symptoms are treated differently. The skin disorder psoriasis symptoms are often treated using corticosteroid injections, oral medication, topical applications, and biologic injections or light therapy in severe manifestation of the symptoms. Arthritis on the other hand is treated using anti-inflammatory medication. The good news is that when the symptoms of one condition improve, often the other condition’s symptoms will improve as well.
Psoriasis Arthritis can be managed
The condition tends to worsen with time as one age. Because there is no known cause of the condition, and because there lacks a specific treatment for psoriasis arthritis, doctors always recommend a change in lifestyle, avoiding alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, eating a well balanced, gluten-free psoriasis diet, and regular exercise.