login Register

Psoriatic Arthritis

Description

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of autoimmune disorder that affects the joints and skin. It is a form of arthritis that occurs in people with psoriasis, a condition that causes red, scaly patches on the skin.

Psoriatic arthritis causes inflammation in the joints and can lead to joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. It can also cause problems with the nails and skin, as well as eye irritation. In severe cases, it can lead to deformities in the joints and disability.

The exact cause of psoriatic arthritis is unknown, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There is no cure for psoriatic arthritis, but it can be managed with medications, lifestyle changes, and regular medical care.

Symptoms

Causes

The exact cause of psoriatic arthritis is unknown, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, which means that the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the body. In people with psoriatic arthritis, the immune system attacks the joints and skin, leading to inflammation and damage.

It's important to note that while these factors may increase the risk of developing psoriatic arthritis, they do not necessarily cause the disease. More research is needed to fully understand the causes of psoriatic arthritis.

Risk factors

Complications

How to diagnose it?

How to prevent it?

When you should visit the doctor?

It's important to see a doctor if you are experiencing any symptoms that may be related to psoriatic arthritis, such as joint pain, stiffness, or swelling. Early diagnosis and treatment of psoriatic arthritis can help to manage symptoms and improve the long-term outlook.

If you have already been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and are experiencing a flare-up of symptoms, it's important to talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Flare-ups can be managed with medications and other treatments, and early treatment can help to prevent complications.

It's also important to see a doctor if you develop any new or unusual symptoms, or if your existing symptoms are getting worse or are not responding to treatment as expected. Your doctor can help to determine the cause of these symptoms and determine the appropriate treatment. Regular medical care is important for managing psoriatic arthritis and monitoring for potential complications.

FAQs

Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that occurs in people with psoriasis, a chronic skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches. It is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints and can lead to joint damage.

Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis may include joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, particularly in the fingers, toes, and spine. Other symptoms can include fatigue, nail changes, and eye irritation.

The exact cause of psoriatic arthritis is unknown, but it is thought to be related to an immune system problem. It is not contagious and cannot be transmitted through food or water.

Psoriatic arthritis is usually diagnosed based on a combination of the patient's symptoms, a physical exam, and laboratory tests. These may include imaging studies (such as x-rays) and blood tests.

Treatment for psoriatic arthritis typically involves medications to reduce inflammation and slow joint damage, as well as physical therapy to improve mobility and function. Other treatments, such as skin care and nail care, may be recommended for people with both psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis.

There is currently no cure for psoriatic arthritis, but it can be managed with treatment. Many people with psoriatic arthritis are able to achieve long periods of remission, during which they have few or no symptoms.

Visit a doctor when you are suffering from Psoriatic arthritis!