The Connection Between Psoriasis and Arthritis

You may be asking yourself what could psoriasis and arthritis possibly have in common. The answer is too much in some cases. Known as psoriatic arthropathy, this condition strikes roughly 10% of people. If you have psoriasis, this is information you need to be aware of. At the least, if it happens to you, you will have some information about the disease in mind and the treatment process may go faster. So without further ado, here’s the truth about psoriasis arthritis.

  • symptoms
  • treatments
  • people at risk

The symptoms of arthritis psoriasis are the same as they would be in any other situation. The arthritis manifests in achy joints and inflamed tendons. If you are familiar with psoriasis, the red rash, silvery lesions, and horrible itching aren’t new. This alternative psoriasis form combines the worst of two unpleasant conditions. On top of the damaged skin areas, this disease will eventually cause the joints affected to swell and become misshapen. With treatment, you may be able to hold off against the effects.

At the first sign of a psoriasis symptom, you really do want to seek professional help. This disease can get out of hand in a hurry. The treatment for psoriatic arthropathy is really a combination of the standard treatments for psoriasis and arthritis. Doctors often prescribe anti inflammatory drugs and exercises for the affected joints, while treating the psoriasis with medicated topical creams and possibly light or phototherapy. For the best results with help, psoriasis and arthritis must be treated together. Though no one knows why the two diseases team up like this, there are treatments available that will limit the effects on the skin and the joints.

To have psoriatic arthritis, you have to already be affected by psoriasis. The two in this situation operate together. As previously noted, about 10% are affected with men being slightly more likely to develop it. Age doesn’t matter, though it does appear more often after the age of 30. It is important to remember that with early treatment, it can be controlled and doesn’t have to be allowed to ruin and severely damage the joints.

Psoriasis? You can win the battle!