Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of the skin and joints. It occurs in about one-fifth of people with psoriasis, a chronic skin condition, although either disease can precede the other by as much as 20 years. It can also affect areas other than the joints, such as the eyes, skin, mouth, and spine. Psoriatic arthritis affects men and women equally, but is more common between ages 30 and 50.

Types Of Psoriatic Arthritis

There are five known types of psoriatic arthritis:

Symmetric: This type is similar to rheumatoid arthritis in that the symptoms occur on either side of the body (both knees, both elbows, etc). It comprises about 50% of cases, and is disabling 50% of the time.

Asymmetric: This is a relatively mild form accounting for about 35% of cases. It does not affect symmetrical joints, and seldom occurs in more than three joints at a time.

Arthritis mutilans: This is a rare but aggressive condition, affecting less than 5% of patients. It takes place over several years and causes severe joint damage and deformation.
Spondylitis: This type causes severe stiffness and is usually symmetrical. It normally affects the spine or neck, but may also occur in the hands and feet.

Distal interphalangeal predominant: This is characterized by changes in the nail抯 appearance and texture, and stiff swelling of fingers and toes. It occurs in about 5% of patients.

Causes Of Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. The exact reasons are not known, but scientists believe that bacteria in the affected skin can act as a trigger. Patients with psoriasis affecting the nails are more likely to develop psoriatic arthritis. Genetics is also considered a risk factor, as both psoriasis and arthritis can run in the family.

Treatment

Psoriatic arthritis is usually treated with drugs and therapy.

Drug treatment Of Psoriatic Arthritis

First-line treatment involves non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin to relieve the pain and swelling. Patients may be allowed to try different NSAIDs to find what works best for them.

Disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) are used to slow the progression of the disease. They may take several weeks to start working, so it抯 important to keep taking them even when no improvements are observed. They can also cause serious side effects and must be taken only under prescription.

Therapy For Psoriatic Arthritis

Physical activity plays a key role in alleviating psoriatic arthritis symptoms. Exercise therapy is usually recommended when the inflammation affects the spinal joints. Heat and cold treatment can help relieve pain and restore some mobility to the joints. Occupational therapists can design daily tasks to prevent further damage to the joints. Useful sites for more information are - hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/Psoriatic_arthritis.html and en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psoriatic_arthritis.