Psoriatic Arthritis: A Complication Of Skin & Joints
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.
Can the severe symptoms of psoriatic arthritis be reduced?
After several mis-diaganoses since my first visit to hospital in September 06 - they thought it was fractured metatarsals/ cuboid bones - my specialist has eventually realised that I am a long standing sufferer of Psoriasis. Psoriatic Arthritis is now suspected after a bone scan and the blood tests should confirm it.
I am due to see my specialist again on 10th January and the foot pain/ difficulty in walking has now spread to my knee causing locking, extreme pain and clicking noises.
Even more tests and delays are now anticipated, possibly a MRI scan with a 19 week waiting list and a sample of fluid from my knee. Meanwhile I am only taking un-prescribed drugs - Ibprofen and Anadin Extra - and am worried that irreversable damage may be caused due to the delay in diagnosis. Is there any light at the end of the tunnel? Will I always suffer pain and disability? Why don't doctors ask the right questions & arrange the right tests when you see them? I feel let down by our Health Service
8 May 2012 at 12:30pm Cassie Allen, left, and her sister Tiffany at the end of last week?s Taylor School Walkathon. Wendy Allen admits she was surprised on Dec. 10, 2010, the day doctors told her that 5-year-old daughter Cassie has Juvenile Arthritis.
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.
