Psoriatic arthritis

Page 1 2 3

What is Psoriatic arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic (long lasting) autoimmune disease that affects the joints in association with skin or nail changes as seen in psoriasis. Psoriasis is a common, inherited skin condition that causes grayish-white scaling over a pink or dull-red skin rash.

Who gets Psoriatic arthritis?

Psoriasis affects 1-3% of the population. Psoriatic arthritis affects 5-8% of patients with psoriasis, so it is fairly uncommon. Men and women are equally affected. Age of onset is often between 35-55 years, but can occur at any age.

Predisposing Factors

The cause of psoriatic arthritis has not yet been established. Genetic influences, environmental and immunological factors are all thought to be involved.

Progression

There are at several subtypes of psoriatic arthritis, which produce a range of symptoms and affect different parts of the body. 1) Asymmetric arthritis: The mildest form of psoriatic arthritis, which tends to affect joints only on one side of your body or different joints on each side, particularly in the knee, ankle or wrist. Swelling and inflammation of the tendons in the hands and feet can cause fingers and toes to resemble sausages (dactylitis). 2) Distal interphalangeal arthritis: a minority of people with psoriatic arthritis (usually men) have this form, which affects the small joints closest to the nails (distal joints) in the fingers and toes. In addition to the arthritis, patients may also notice nail and skin changes. 3) Symmetrical polyarthritis: Unlike asymmetric arthritis, this form usually affects a greater number of joints and on both sides of the body. It shares similarities to rheumatoid arthritis, a common and often severe arthritic condition, however symptoms are usually milder. Psoriasis associated with this condition tends to be severe. 4) Arthritis mutilans: this is a rare form of psoriatic arthritis. Over time, the small bones in the hands become eroded, leading to permanent deformity and disability. 5) Spondylitis: occurs in a small number of patients (with a male preference). This form of psoriatic arthritis causes stiffness and inflammation in the spine, particularly in the lower back. Movement becomes increasingly painful and difficult. There is also a type of psoriatic arthritis that affects children. Children typically develop signs and symptoms of the disease around 10 years of age. Symptoms are often mild, although some children may have severe and debilitating problems that last into adulthood.

Page 1 2 3