What is psoriatic arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that affects some people who have psoriasis — a disease that causes red patches of skin topped with silvery scales. Most people develop psoriasis years before being diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. But for some, the joint problems begin before skin patches appear or at the same time.
Joint pain, stiffness and swelling are the main signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. In both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, disease flares can alternate with periods of remission.
There's no cure for psoriatic arthritis. Treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms and.preventing joint damage. Without treatment, psoriatic arthritis can be disabling.
However, psoriatic arthritis is more likely to also cause:
- Swollen fingers and toes.
- Foot pain.
- Lower back pain.
- Nail changes.
- Eye inflammation.
When to see a doctor
If you have psoriasis, tell your doctor if you develop joint pain.
Psoriatic arthritis can severely damage your joints if left untreated.
Causes
Psoriatic arthritis occurs when your body's immune system attacks healthy cells and tissue. The immune response causes inflammation in your joints as well as overproduction of skin cells.
It seems likely that both genetic and environmental factors play a role in this immune
system response.
Physical trauma or something in the environment — such as a viral or bacterial infection — might trigger psoriatic arthritis in people with an inherited tendency.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriatic-arthritis/symptoms-
causes/syc-20354076
