Arthritis psoriasis is also called psoriatic arthritis and is a condition in which both the joints and the skin become inflamed.  The psoriasis causes the skin to become red, raised, scaly, and patchy.  It is estimated that ten percent of people with psoriasis will also develop inflammatory arthritis.  This results in a diagnosis of arthritis psoriasis.

In psoriatic arthritis, the arthritis and psoriasis rarely occur at the same time.  Psoriasis occurs first for around 80% for most sufferers, while 15% with arthritis psoriasis will experience arthritis symptoms first.  Years can pass before the other condition exhibits symptoms.

Both women and men, usually in their forties and fifties, can get arthritis psoriasis. There is no known cause of arthritis psoriasis.  At this time there is no cure but there are a wide variety of treatments.

Some of the more commonly affected areas with psoriasis are the knees, elbows, and scalp.  The joints most commonly affected with psoriatic arthritis are the ankles, knees, wrists, and hips.  These joints become painful and may be swollen, red, and hot.

A variety of medications exist to control the inflammation.  Your doctor may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), immunosuppressant medications, or TNF-alpha inhibitors.  For severe cases of psoriatic arthritis, immunosupressent medications or TNF-alpha inhibitors may be prescribed.  Both are effective but can cause damaging side effects.

Corticosteroids are injected into the joint or may be taken orally.  They aren’t prescribed long-term and are good for mild cases of psoriatic arthritis.  NSAIDs are also best for short-term usage.  They may be over-the-counter such as ibuprofen or prescription.  These help reduce pain and swelling.  DMARDs are some of the most effective medications at limiting joint damage.  They don’t, however, work fast and are usually prescribed with a pain killer.

Arthritis psoriasis is a serious and painful condition, but more treatments are always being developed.  As with any illness, your doctor is the best source of information for the most effective treatments for your psoriatic arthritis.