Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis.
A 45 year old lady developed pain in hand joints ,wrist and some back pain. Took painkillers but as soon as she left, pain and swelling reappeared. Got many tests done but nothing came out.Only thing she had for long was Psoriasis.
Whats the relation between Psoriasis and Arthritis?
Psoriasis is a kind of autoimmune skin disease which cause silvery scaling skin lesions usually over the extensor surfaces like elbow and knee. It can also cause scalp lesions with dandruff and it may wax and wane as per weather conditions. Around 25-40% of Proriasis patients can have Psoriatic Arthritis.
What are the symptoms of Psoriatic arthritis?
In a patient with long standing Psoriasis, any appearance of joint pains, swelling, in hands, feet, knee or back pain with morning stiffness can suggest Psoriatic Arthritis.
What are the risk factors for developing Psoriatic Arthritis?
Nail involvemnt in psoriasis is one of the major risk factor for arthritis. Interestingly extent of skin involvement in psoriasis will not decide or correlate with joint pains. Many patients will have extensive skin involvement but no joint pains at all.
Is there a treatment for Psoriatic arthritis?
Yes treatment is available and now there are certain new medicines which can clear the skin lesions along with the joints. Long term inflammation in Psoriasis can have many metabolic effects on body so meeting a Rheumatologist and starting treatment on time is highly reccomended.
