Psoriatic Arthritis: A Complication of Skin & Joints

As a condition of unknown origin, psoriasis can lead to complications such as minor skin irritation to full blow complications associated with psoriatic arthritis. As a sufferer of psoriasis, understanding the risks and complications which can lead to psoriatic arthritis will provide for early diagnosis and intervention.

Psoriasis, as a generally rule, only affects the skin. Of the psoriasis sufferers, however, approximately 10 percent will also suffer from psoriatic arthritis. Often, the development of psoriatic arthritis begins as a simple case of psoriasis. As the psoriasis worsens, becoming more intense, inflammation will set in resulting in the development of psoriatic arthritis. While this is the normal progression of the disease, in some cases, the arthritic symptoms may present long before the skin disorder surfaces.

To diagnose psoriatic arthritis, the dermatologist will usually refer the patient to a rheumatologist to rule out other arthritic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, the dermatologist will conduct a visual exam making note of the common signs of psoriatic arthritis including patches or lesions around the fingers and toes, pain and stiffness in the back with x-rays revealing significant inflammation.

To treat psoriatic arthritis, the dermatologist will work closely with the rheumatologist to develop a life care treatment plan. Most notable treatment will include the use of cyclosporine prescription medications which work to depress the immune system. In doing so, the areas of the immune system most commonly responsible for stimulating the psoriatic arthritis are depressed and the symptoms are, thereby, subsided. While success is not 100 percent guaranteed, many patients suffering from psoriatic arthritis will show remission of symptoms in as little as 16 weeks.