Psoriasis, a disease that affects over a million people in the UK, can increase the risk that sufferers – as well as their family members – will develop a particular form of arthritis.
This condition can affect various joints in the body and, in severe cases, if left untreated, can lead to disability.
According to the Psoriasis Association UK, around one in five people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis. The two main signs are the presence of psoriasis on the skin, nails or scalp, along with pain, stiffness or swelling of the joints. However, the joints affected can vary significantly from one person to the next.
When psoriasis affects the fingernails, it is often associated with arthritis in the joints of the fingertips. Other areas that are often affected include the knees, ankles, wrists, hips, and the small joints of the hands and feet.
According to Arthritis Action, psoriatic arthritis can occur in adults of any age. In some people, it may be mild and affect only one or two joints, while in others it may progress and involve the spine and sacroiliac joints.
Stiffness, pain, throbbing, swelling, and tenderness in one or more joints
"Sausage-shaped" swelling of the fingers or toes
Changes in nails
Pain and swelling in the tendon areas
Restriction of movement
Fatigue and lack of energy
These symptoms are usually worse in the morning and can change over time. Psoriatic arthritis is not diagnosed with a single blood test. Doctors evaluate the condition of the joints and the individual and family medical history, ruling out other more common forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout.
Treatment for psoriatic arthritis varies depending on the severity of the case and may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and self-management techniques. Some patients may need medical treatments such as painkillers, joint injections, or even surgery, while others may benefit from a combination of methods.
According to Arthritis Action, treatment depends on the number of joints affected and the extent of the damage. In milder cases, painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen may be used.
Some medications used for more severe cases of arthritis can also help treat skin psoriasis. However, according to the Psoriasis Association UK, in some cases symptoms of psoriatic arthritis can appear before skin signs appear.
The main sign of psoriasis is dry, itchy, painful patches that are often covered in silvery-white scales. According to the NHS, these patches are usually 1–2cm in size and often appear on several areas of the body at the same time.
The most common areas where psoriasis appears are:
Head and area behind the ears
Chest, abdomen and back
prat
Forearms and elbows
Lower legs and knees
Body folds, such as the groin area
When psoriasis affects the nails, it can cause small pits or deformities. Like psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis symptoms can worsen periodically, going into flare-ups.
Although there is no definitive cure for psoriasis, it can be managed with specialized creams, lotions, and ointments. The condition can also affect mental health, so in some cases patients may need psychological support. /GazetaExpress/
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