Psoriasis which causes dry, scaly, and thick itchy patches on the skin is different from psoriatic arthritis, a type of inflammatory arthritis. However, some common symptoms apart, these are different autoimmune conditions. Psoriatic arthritis, like most other types of arthritis, is a painful disease that impacts the day-to-day activities. However, with medication, it can be managed easily, say experts.
Psoriasis puts us at a greater risk of psoriatic arthritis; however, it is not necessary that if a person has one, they will develop the other. As per a review article, more than 90% of people with psoriatic arthritis develop the condition because of having skin or nail psoriasis. But psoriatic arthritis is seen in less than 30% of those affected with psoriasis.
What is psoriatic arthritis?
It is a type of inflammatory arthritis mostly seen in adults over 40, though younger individuals can also develop it. The causes range from genetic to environmental.
Up to 40 percent of those who develop psoriatic arthritis are seen to have a family history of it. Trauma or injury to the joint, streptococcal, or viral infections can also be a triggering factor. Smoking tobacco triggers genetic mutations which can cause inflammatory arthritis as well.
Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis, shows symptoms like skin rashes and enthesitis-where there is swelling of the tendon or muscle attached to the bone,” says Dr Reena Jaybhaye a consultant rheumatologist at AARC (Advanced Arthritis Rheumatism and Autoimmunity Centre)Â in Kharghar, Mumbai.
Other symptoms include inflammation and swelling at the joints accompanied by intense pain. Sausage fingers or dactylitis is commonly seen. Axial pain or pain in the back and spine joint, pain because of distal interphalangeal joint involvement are other identifying features. Scaly, red, and itchy rashes can be found in the scalp, inframammary, peri-anal or genital regions, palms, soles and behind the ear as well, ” adds Dr Jaybhaye.
How psoriatic arthritis affects the body?
Psoriatic arthritis, which hinders one’s daily activities, can also make movement difficult in severe cases.
“I was first diagnosed with psoriasis in the year 2005 and did not show any symptoms of psoriatic arthritis until 16 years later,” says Pavan (name changed on request) from South Mumbai. The 47-year-old began to experience severe pain in his knees and back about one and half years back.
“At that time, psoriasis also began aggravating,” adds Pavan. “It caused body stiffness, especially in my fingers which became very stiff, and I could not move them properly. I was unable to do even the simplest of tasks like sitting down or eating my food or even holding a pen and writing because my palms were not closing properly.”
Early morning stiffness also becomes a hindrance. The pain is known to be felt more while resting as compared to when one is active.
“If left untreated 20% of the individuals can develop functional disability and the day-to-day performance of the individual is affected,” adds Dr. Jaybhaye.
Managing psoriatic arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is not a curable disease, but it can be controlled with regular monitoring and treatment.
“At present, the treatment method includes DMARDs [Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs],” says Dr Jaybhaye.
“If it cannot be controlled with that then certain biological drugs which are more specific for treating psoriatic arthritis are administered. They are also known to be more effective and show lesser side-effects, Intervention of yoga, meditation and exercises has shown to be helpful in managing the disease.”
Pavan mentions, “During the course of the treatment, I began taking the medicines, and after two or three months the stiffness began to reduce slowly after which I was able to walk and able to sit on my own and do my daily chores.”
Takeaways
- Psoriatic arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis mostly seen in adults above 40, but not necessarily restricted to that age group.
- Sausage fingers, nail dystrophy, axial pain, excruciating joint pain are some of the many symptoms of psoriatic arthritis.
- DMARDs and certain biological drugs can be used to manage psoriatic arthritis.
