Psoriasis is a chronic condition that results in the formation of scaly white and red patches on the skin. These areas of abnormal skin can be itchy and uncomfortable.

According to the American College of Rheumatology, around of people with will develop a type of inflammatory , known as psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Its possible, however, for someone without the skin changes of psoriasis to develop PsA, especially if someone else in their family has the disease.

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The symptoms of psoriasis are caused by immune system cells abnormally attacking healthy skin and joint tissue. This results in , swelling, and pain.

Doctors arent sure why the immune system in some people attacks healthy tissue, although they believe genetics may play a role. This is because psoriasis and PsA tend to run in families.

In addition, environmental factors may also play a role. Injury, infection, or exposure to an environmental trigger can bring on PsA, especially in people with a family history of the disease.

People with PsA may have symptoms that come and go. The period of time when the symptoms worsen is known as a flare and tends to be triggered by something specific.

The symptoms of PsA may flare up if triggered by stress, exposure to cigarette smoke, or a host of other factors.

Common triggers include:

Understanding what triggers PsA flares is essential to helping prevent them. Keeping a journal and recording information about what has happened before a PsA flare may help.

A person with PsA should keep an eye out specifically for these common triggers, or other factors that might be causing the symptoms. There are online trackers and apps available, but even just a simple pen and paper journal may be useful.

Sharing this information with a doctor can help identify effective treatments or simple lifestyle changes that could improve symptoms.

There are that have been associated with developing PsA:

The symptoms of PsA vary from person to person and can range from very mild to severe. They may include:

PsA can affect any joint, but is most common in the joints of the fingers, toes, lower back, wrists, knees, or ankles.

Both psoriasis and PsA cause episodes where the symptoms worsen, also known as flares. Most of the time, the symptoms will lessen between flares.

In most cases, a person with PsA will be diagnosed with psoriasis before developing the joint stiffness and pain associated with arthritis. However, some people will have symptoms of the arthritis before being diagnosed with psoriasis.

Psoriatic spondylitis may lead to stiffness and pain in the neck.

There are five different patterns of PsA that have been identified, based on the number and types of joints involved. They are:

A majority of cases are diagnosed as following the oligoarticular pattern of PsA. In addition, affected joints tend not to be equal on both sides of the body.

There is no single test for PsA. Instead, a doctor will need to rule out the presence of other conditions that cause the same symptoms, by using the following methods:

Symptoms of PsA can appear and then disappear before someone can get to the doctor, making diagnosis difficult. Its not uncommon for a person to have a few flares before the disease is diagnosed.

Anyone with a history of psoriasis and joint pain or swelling should see their doctor promptly. They should be sure to mention that they have psoriasis so that they can be properly evaluated.

Pain management is usually a major concern for people with PsA. There are many different options available and it can sometimes take a bit of trial and error before the best option is found.

Mild exercise and staying active can help to relieve painful joints and stiff muscles. Particularly effective exercises for patients with PsA include and swimming. Its important for people to find an activity that is comfortable and then to stick with it.

Mild exercise, such as swimming and yoga, can help people with PsA effectively manage pain.

There are several different medications that can be used to treat symptoms and prevent joint damage in people with PsA. The doctor will select a medication based on the amount of pain, swelling and stiffness that the patient has.

Options include:

Some of these drugs can have serious side effects and are not appropriate for everyone. It is important for people with PsA to see their doctor regularly, or call with any concerns.

Written by Nicole Galan

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