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Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriasis Treatment In Gainesville, FL

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes stiffness, joint pain, and swelling in any part of the body. Also common in psoriatic arthritis are dermatology symptoms, such as skin rash, fatigue, inflamed fingers or toes, itching, physical differences, and dents in the nails. If you suffer from psoriasis, it's important that you pay attention to your joints. In some cases, individuals with psoriasis can develop psoriatic arthritis. If you have psoriasis, there is no clear way to tell if you will develop psoriatic arthritis.

However, early diagnosis and treatment are critical to reducing the devastating effects that arthritis can have on your life. The best way to determine whether you have psoriasis of any kind is to schedule an appointment with our Gainesville dermatology specialists. We offer advanced dermatology treatments and clinical skincare for a wide variety of skin conditions in our state-of-the-art facility. Contact us today to learn more.

What Is Psoriatic Arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects some people who have psoriasis, a chronic skin condition characterized by patches of red, scaly skin. Some people with psoriasis may also develop psoriatic arthritis either years after their initial diagnosis or much sooner. Individuals with psoriatic arthritis may experience joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, which can lead to joint damage and disability if left untreated. In psoriatic arthritis, the immune system attacks healthy joints and causes inflammation.

This inflammation can affect any joint in the body, including the spine, fingers, toes, hips, and knees. In addition to joint pain and swelling, psoriatic arthritis can also cause fatigue, nail changes, and eye problems. The severity of psoriatic arthritis varies widely among people who have the condition, and it can be difficult to diagnose. Treatment typically involves a combination of medications, exercise, and lifestyle changes to manage symptoms and prevent joint damage. Contact our dermatologists in Gainesville to learn more.

Symptoms Of Psoriatic Arthritis

For most people living with psoriases, such as plaque psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, and pustular psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis develops 5—12 years after their initial diagnosis and psoriatic symptoms, though they may show up earlier. Some individuals experience psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis at the same time. More rarely, psoriatic arthritis precedes psoriasis. You should contact our dermatology providers right away if you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis flare ups.

  • Lethargy and fatigue
  • Changes to the nails
  • Nails that separate from the nail bed
  • Worsening of skin symptoms
  • Tenderness, pain, and swelling in the tendons
  • Pain, throbbing, swelling, and stiffness in the joints
  • Difficulties with mobility
  • Stiffness and fatigue after sleeping
  • Swelling in the fingers and toes
  • Pain in the heels
  • Pain in the lower back
  • Swelling in the backs of the legs

Symptoms may vary widely from person to person. Individuals may experience a flare-up, also known as a flare or relapse, when their symptoms worsen in severity or degree. Flare-ups can present as mild in nature and develop slowly over time, or they can be severe and appear rapidly. It is difficult to preemptively identify when a flare will occur. However, for many people, identifying and avoiding certain triggers may help prevent them.

What Does Psoriatic Arthritis Look Like?

A psoriatic arthritis rash is a key and common symptom of this condition. On the skin, psoriatic arthritis usually causes dry, red lesions or plaques covered in silver-looking scales on the skin. This can occur years after your initial psoriasis symptoms develop or in combination with them. In the various stages of psoriatic arthritis, the majority of people first experience the skin condition and then experience joint pain within 12 or so years. Patients with psoriasis who develop heel pain, joint pain, and leg pain without overt swelling and more likely than others to develop psoriatic arthritis.

In those with Mongolian spots, their melanocytes are densely packed in certain areas of the skin, which results in the development of bluish-gray or blue-colored patches. The precise reason why some individuals develop Mongolian spots is unknown, yet it is thought to be related to certain genetic factors.

Psoriatic Arthritis Triggers

The exactTriggers for the initial onset of psoriatic arthritis can include strep throat, among other infectious diseases that can cause an overreaction of the immune system, particularly in those who are susceptible to these reactions. Triggers for onset of psoriatic arthritis flares include but are not limited to, the following. Triggers may vary from person to person.

  • Stress
  • Certain medications
  • Physical stress on joints
  • Smoking
  • Injuries
  • Lack of sleep
  • Overexertion
  • Poor diet

Who Gets Psoriatic Arthritis?

Some patients with psoriasis will eventually develop arthritis, resulting in psoriatic arthritis. The majority of people who develop psoriatic arthritis have psoriasis (whether plaque, guttate, pustular, etc.), another form of psoriasis that affects their nails, and relatives by blood who also have psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis usually develops 5—12 years after psoriasis develops, and it is equally common among men and women. The majority of psoriatic arthritis cases develop between the ages of 30 and 50, yet it may develop at any age. Even children can develop psoriatic arthritis. It's important to note that not everyone with psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis.

What Causes Psoriatic Arthritis?

The exact cause of psoriatic arthritis is unknown. Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body mistakes something in the body as an invader or foreign object. With psoriatic arthritis, the body mistakes the joints and tenders as invaders. As with psoriasis, the causes of psoriatic arthritis may include the following factors.

  • Genetic factors
  • Environmental factors
  • Immune system

How Is Psoriatic Arthritis Diagnosed?

TThere is no psoriatic arthritis test available to diagnose this condition. When you visit your dermatologist to find out whether you have psoriatic arthritis, another form of psoriasis, or another condition, your doctor will review your medical records and as you specific questions about any blood relatives with psoriatic arthritis, your symptoms, and other questions. They will also examine your joints for any swelling. To diagnose cases of psoriatic arthritis, your dermatologist may perform several tests to rule out other conditions that may cause the rash, lesions, and any other symptoms of the condition. This is known as a differential diagnosis. Certain bloodwork will tell your doctor whether you have inflammation in your body, as individuals with this condition often have body-wide inflammation.

How Is Psoriatic Arthritis Treated?

If you are diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, it's important to note that psoriatic arthritis treatment can ease your symptoms, including swelling, pain, stiffness, and other symptoms. Treatment can also stop your arthritis from becoming worse or more severe and damaging your joints. It can also improve your overall quality of life. There are several treatments available for psoriatic arthritis. Your doctor will create a comprehensive treatment plan individualized to your condition and needs. A treatment plan may include the following. In mild cases of psoriatic arthritis, certain medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can usually reduce signs and symptoms of the condition. For more information, contact Gainesville Dermatology & Skin Surgery.

  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Massage therapy
  • Patient education
  • Exercise
  • Good sleep hygiene
  • Devices designed to proect joints
  • Prescribed medication
  • Surgical intervention

Psoriatic Arthritis Self-Care

Certain home remedies and self-care strategies can help individuals with psoriatic arthritis manage their symptoms in combination with treatment from their dermatologist. Identifying your psoriatic arthritis diet, physical and emotional triggers, and avoiding them as much as possible can help you prevent flare-ups. While home remedies are safe for most individuals, check with your provider before trying home remedies, as you may be at risk of developing an allergic reaction.

  • Limiting your alcohol intake
  • Limiting stress
  • Consuming a well-balanced diet
  • Pursuing low-impact exercises
  • Reducing your activity levels
  • Getting adequate sleep and rest
  • Following your doctor's treatment plan
  • Consulting your provider as soon as symptoms develop
  • Avoiding smoking