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Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment

Psoriatic Arthritis: A Complication Of Skin & Joints

psoriatic-arthritis: Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment As a condition of unknown origin, psoriasis can lead to complications such as minor skin irritation to full blow complications associated with psoriatic arthritis. As a sufferer of psoriasis, understanding the risks and complications which can lead to psoriatic arthritis will provide for early diagnosis and intervention.

Psoriasis, as a generally rule, only affects the skin. Of the psoriasis sufferers, however, approximately 10 percent will also suffer from psoriatic arthritis. Often, the development of psoriatic arthritis begins as a simple case of psoriasis. As the psoriasis worsens, becoming more intense, inflammation will set in resulting in the development of psoriatic arthritis. While this is the normal progression of the disease, in some cases, the arthritic symptoms may present long before the skin disorder surfaces.

To diagnose psoriatic arthritis, the dermatologist will usually refer the patient to a rheumatologist to rule out other arthritic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, the dermatologist will conduct a visual exam making note of the common signs of psoriatic arthritis including patches or lesions around the fingers and toes, pain and stiffness in the back with x-rays revealing significant inflammation.

To treat psoriatic arthritis, the dermatologist will work closely with the rheumatologist to develop a life care treatment plan. Most notable treatment will include the use of cyclosporine prescription medications which work to depress the immune system. In doing so, the areas of the immune system most commonly responsible for stimulating the psoriatic arthritis are depressed and the symptoms are, thereby, subsided. While success is not 100 percent guaranteed, many patients suffering from psoriatic arthritis will show remission of symptoms in as little as 16 weeks.

Disadvantages to using cyclosporine FDA approved medications involve the risk for developing kidney damage which is not reversible. As a result, when using cyclosporine in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis, regular testing and management of kidney function is crucial to the treatment plan of your psoriatic arthritis. Another major side effect of cyclosporine involves the risk of developing some forms of cancer, most commonly, lymphoma. Even still, medical research still recommends the use of cyclosporine to resolve symptoms and complications of psoriatic arthritis.

As with any life altering health condition, the key to optimal health outcomes lies in the effective treatment but also in early diagnosis and application of treatment. When suffering from symptoms of arthritis, coupled with psoriasis, consult a health care professional regarding the appropriate testing to rule out and diagnose a psoriatic arthritis condition.

By Christine Cadena - Website content writer, specializing in website content related to travel, health, and legal issues. Also specializing in blog marketing and social media marketing.

psoriatic arthritis treatments and pain?
I was wondering what the best treatments for psoriatic arthritis are. I was diagnosed with it in my back,hips and hands and the pain is severe. I am going to my doctor to discuss the pain getting worse and to see what can help quell the flair ups ,help inflammation and what meds are most effective for the severe pain since darvocet does not help the severe pain in my sacram and hips. Has anybody been treated for this and recommend treatment options to ask my doctor about ,especially cheaper medications .

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15 Nov 2010 at 7:46pm

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