Sufferers of psoriasis know the symptoms all too well -- dry, scaly skin, inflammation and lesions that can cause severe discomfort, as well as an unsightly skin appearance. The head (scalp), nails, knees, elbows and trunk are the most affected areas but all parts of the skin can see symptoms.
Sufferers can have flare ups with no warning and then go into a kind of remission for days or weeks. Many live with the symptoms day to day.
There is no known cause for psoriasis but living in a cold climate can exacerbate the problem, and a family history of psoriasis can also show a connection. Also, a compromised immune system can increase the risk.
With reference to the immune system, a survey this year, conducted by the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) has shown that many people living with psoriasis were also, unknowingly, living with arthritis.
A group of 477 psoriasis patients were involved in the study and 22 percent of them showed distinct signs of arthritis, including inflamed joints and tendons. This condition is known as psoriatic arthritis. The study was funded by drug companies.
There are many symptoms that are signs of having psoriatic arthritis. They include nail problems , including separation from the nail bed, and pitting. In addition, according to an EmpowHER article on the condition, "... signs that you may have developed psoriatic arthritis include:
• Swelling and pain of joints and tendons
• Stiffness and difficulty moving the affected joints
• Swollen toes and fingers
• Tiredness
• Changes in your toenails that look very similar to a fungal nail infection
• Some sufferers develop sticky eyes
There are different types of psoriatic arthritis which may vary the symptoms. These are:
Asymmetric
Symmetric
Distal interphalangeal joint predomination
Spondylitis
Arthritis mutilans"
These kinds of arthritis are explained in more detail in the source linked below.
People who have psoriasis and are also feeling the symptoms of arthritis listed above should consult their doctors.
SOURCES:
EmpowHER.com. All About Psoriatic Arthritis. Web. December 12, 2011. https://www.empowher.com/arthritis/content/all-about-psoriatic-arthritis
Health.com. Got Psoriasis? 7 Signs You Have Arthritis. Web. December 12, 2011. Too. http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20539794,00.html
1 in 4 With Psoriasis May Have Undiagnosed Arthritis. Everyday Health.
Web. December 12, 2011. http://www.everydayhealth.com/psoriasis/1013/1-in-4-with-psoriasis-may-h...
Reviewed December 13, 2011
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith