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Alternative Names Return to top
Arthritis - psoriaticDefinition Return to top
Psoriatic arthritis is an arthritis that is often associated with psoriasis of the skin.
Causes Return to top
Psoriasis is a common, chronic skin condition that causes red patches on the body. About 1 in 20 people with psoriasis will develop arthritis with the skin condition. In most cases, psoriasis comes before the arthritis.
The cause of psoriatic arthritis is not known, but genes may play a role. In general, people who have psoriasis have a higher rate of arthritis than the general population.
Symptoms Return to top
The arthritis may be mild and involve only a few joints, particularly those at the end of the fingers or toes. In some people the disease may be severe and affect many joints, including the spine. When the spine is affected, the symptoms are stiffness, burning, and pain, most often in the lower spine and sacrum.
People who also have arthritis usually have the skin and nail changes of psoriasis. Often, the skin gets worse at the same time as the arthritis.
Exams and Tests Return to top
During a physical examination, the health care provider will look for:
Joint x-rays may be performed.
Treatment Return to top
Your doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) or salicylates to reduce pain and inflammation of the joints.
More severe arthritis requires treatment with more powerful drugs called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as:
New medications that block an inflammatory protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are becoming the treatment of choice. These include:
Occasionally, particularly painful joints may be injected with steroid medications.
In rare cases, patients need surgery to repair or replace damaged joints.
Your doctor may suggest a healthy mix of rest and exercise. Physical therapy may help increase the movement of specific joints. You may also use heat and cold therapy.
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
The course of the disease is often mild and affects only a few joints. A few people will have severe psoriatic arthritis in their hands, feet, and spine that causes deformities. In those with severe arthritis, treatment can still be successful in relieving the pain.
Possible Complications Return to top
Repeated episodes may occur.
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if arthritis symptoms develop along with psoriasis.
Prevention Return to top
There is no known prevention.
References Return to top
Gottlieb A, Korman NJ, Gordon KB, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: Section 2. Psoriatic arthritis: overview and guidelines of care for treatment with an emphasis on the biologics. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008;58(5):851-864. Update Date: 5/31/2009 Updated by: Mark James Borigini, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
