Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis definitely have a connection between them. The fact is 10-30% of those who have been diagnosed with psoriasis also have acquired psoriatic arthritis. Inflammation of the joints occurs when psoriatic arthritis has developed. Moreover, this is a condition that will persist for the rest of a patient’s life and leads to stiff joints and pain. Medications are recommended to prevent your joints from becoming deformed.

Know The Connection

When discussing the link involved with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, it should be told that the condition of psoriasis forms on the scalp and nails of a person. When developed on the scalp, silver-while scales are formed and often misdiagnosed as dandruff. A dermatologist has to examine the skin, scalp, and nails in order to properly diagnosis psoriasis. Skin biopsies are often used in the diagnosing process.

Meanwhile, psoriatic arthritis refers to joint inflammation and not scales on the skin, which is one of the key differences between the two. Also, people who suffer from psoriasis are more likely to get psoriatic arthritis. The hands and feet are some of the joints affected by psoriatic arthritis. One is also at risk for experiencing inflammation in a few of the larger joints, including the hips, knees, and elbows. The tendons can also be affected by the inflammation, causing even more pain.

In Great Britain, five in seven people that have psoriasis are estimated to also have acquired psoriatic arthritis. As you can see, the connection between these two are firmly established. As far as gender is concerned, both men and women are affected equally by psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. While affecting people of all ages, it primarily affects people in the age range of 35 to 55 years old.

In approximately 70% of the cases, those who suffer from psoriasis will also develop psoriatic arthritis. Also, 15% of patients will be victims of both skin and joint ailments simultaneously.

The medication for psoriatic arthritis commonly includes corticosteroids, biological modifiers, and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Also prescribed are analgesics, which include anti-inflammatory and non-steroidal drugs. If psoriatic arthritis is severe, medications that provide pain relief while improving stiffness, including analgesics, are prescribed.