PSORATIC ARTHRITIS

It is a form of inflammatory arthritis. It affects about 30% of people who have psoriasis. Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes a red, scaly rash, most often on your elbows, knees, ankles, feet, and hands.

Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune condition. It happens when your body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue by mistake. Psoriatic arthritis most often affects your skin and your joints, which can become swollen, stiff, and painful. Over time, if you don’t treat it, the inflammation can damage joints and tissues.

Clinical Features

• Swollen fingers and toes
• Foot pain
• Lower back pain
• Fatigue
• Swelling and pain around tendons
• Stiffness and tiredness in the morning
• Less range of motion
• Nail changes
• Eye redness and pain
• Scaly skin, especially on your knees, elbows, and scalp

Psoriatic arthritis shares some symptoms with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). But RA usually affects joints on both sides of your body. It can also cause bumps under your skin. Other skin and nail changes are more likely with psoriatic arthritis.

Treatment

Medical treatments for psoriatic arthritis include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs ).
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
• Immunosuppressants.
• Biologics.
• Enzyme inhibitors.
• Steroids .