PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS                                                                         

When psoriasis and arthritis occur together, it is known as psoriatic arthritis. (Arthritis is not a single disorder but rather the name for joint disease from a number of causes. Arthritic disease causes painful inflammation of one or several joints, with the inflammation destroying the cartilage in the joints.) The most easily recognizable form of psoriatic arthritis affects the joints of the fingers and toes. Psoriatic arthritis is usually less painful than rheumatoid arthritis. It also usually causes less disability.

Psoriatic arthritis generally affects the fingers and toes, but it can involve the wrists, lower back, knees and ankles. Psoriatic arthritis can be a serious disease, with a large percentage of patients reporting that their symptoms limit their work or home activities.

Psoriatic arthritis usually appears between the ages of 30 and 50. Its symptoms usually include at least one of the following:

• Pain in one or more joints

• Movement that is restricted by pain in the joint or surrounding areas

• Morning stiffness

• Eye pain or redness

Because there is no laboratory test for psoriatic arthritis, people with psoriasis and joint pain may want to consult a specialist in joint diseases, called a rheumatologist, to evaluate their symptoms. Other joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and Reiter’s syndrome all may be confused with psoriatic arthritis.