For those people who suffer from psoriasis, there is the very real possibility of developing a condition called psoriatic arthritis. The condition often comes on subtly and may not be immediately noticeable until maybe years after developing psoriasis. It is important that you know and look for possible psoriatic arthritis signs, symptoms, causes and treatment when they appear.
What Is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a skin disease that begins with a break out of itchy and often sore red patches of skin that are accompanied by a rash of silvery scales. These scales will most commonly appear in the back, elbows, face, feet, elbows, palms, and scalp but they can also show up in other areas of the body as well.
There is no cure for psoriasis and for most people it will be no more than a minor skin irritation that will recur from time to time. For others, however, it can develop into something more serious called psoriatic arthritis, a potentially debilitating disease that attacks the joints and tendons in the body.
Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms And Causes
One of the main causes of psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammation of the joints and connective tissue, which can be very painful and cause extreme fatigue and swelling. In some people it can affect their emotional state having an impact on their mood and behavior. If you notice an unexplained swelling of a single joint, usually a finger or toe, you may be in the beginning stages of psoriatic arthritis.
Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment – Seek Diagnosis Immediately
It is not always easy to accurately identify the psoriatic arthritis signs, symptoms, causes and treatment as the symptoms can vary from one person to the next. That's why it's important to seek diagnosis from a dermatologist to be absolutely sure.
The earlier you are diagnosed with the condition the earlier you can start treatment to relieve the chronic discomfort that can come with it. In addition, catching it in the early stages could even prevent additional damage to your joints. In many cases, without treatment, it can eventually evolve into a permanent disability.
What To Discuss With Your Doctor
When you discuss your psoriatic arthritis signs, symptoms, causes and treatment with your doctor, make sure you bring up your medical history and the presence of psoriasis in your family as it is quite often linked to a genetic marker. Your doctor will look first for the visible signs of the condition; your skin, nails, and joints for starters. He or she may also give you an x-ray or an MRI as well. In a few cases, it may be necessary to do an ultrasound and a blood test to determine a diagnosis.
Keep in mind that just as all cases of psoriasis are not the same, neither is psoriatic arthritis. There are several different ways the condition can present itself depending on a number of factors like genetics, joints affected, and severity and extremity of the spread of the disease. Whatever the case, it is important to get medical treatment as soon as the first signs begin to appear to ensure that you can ward off the advancement that can lead to a permanent disability.