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Psoriatic arthritis

Description

Psoriatic Arthritis is a form of Psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the body starts attacking its own cells. It usually results in swollen, painful joints accompanied by patches of thick, red, and crusty skin. It mostly occurs secondary to Psoriasis.

Other forms of Psoriasis include:

  • Nail Psoriasis, red, inflamed nails
  • Guttate Psoriasis, red inflamed skin patches on the limbs often occurring due to streptococcus infections
  • Pustular Psoriasis, pus-filled lesions
  • Erythrodermic Psoriasis, may cover the entire body
Causes

Psoriatic Arthritis occurs later, after the primary Psoriasis infection. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack its own cells. The skin cells may regenerate at a rate much greater than normal, leading to the formation of patchy red scales. More research is going on to determine the exact cause.

Risk factors

The following are the risk factors:

  • Infections, such as skin and throat infections
  • Weather, such as cold and dry conditions
  • Skin injuries, such as a scrape or bug bite
  • Smoking
  • Exposure to skin allergens
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Certain medications, such as lithium
  • Rapid withdrawal from certain medicines, such as corticosteroid containing medicines
  • Family history
  • Stress
Symptoms

The following are the symptoms:

  • Swollen, stiff joints
  • Foot pain
  • Lower back pain
  • Movement restrictions due to swelling of the joints
  • Red skin patches covered with thick, silvery scales
  • Small dried or scaly spots
  • Dry, cracked skin
  • Itchy skin that may bleed
  • Pitted, thickened, or rigged nails
Diagnosis

The diagnosis is made when a doctor, or a dermatologist, examines the patient physically, checks relevant symptoms, and performs certain lab tests, such as X-rays and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Management

Following is the management:

  • Regular and directed use of prescribed medicines
  • Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Medicines
  • Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs
  • Immunosuppressant medicines
  • Biological agents

Please consult your doctor for further information.

When to consult a doctor?

Early diagnosis can lead to effective and successful treatment. If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, please see a doctor. If left untreated, it may cause significant joint damage.

Available Medicine for Psoriatic arthritis

Cosentyx 150mg

Rs.59467

Novartis