Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms And Causes
April 30, 2007 – 1:08 pm | posted in Complementary Medicine, DermatologyIf you have psoriasis, you need to be aware that some people do go on to develop a form of arthritis associated with this skin disease. One out of three patients with the skin disease will develop the joint disease. This arthritis is called psoriatic arthritis.
It usually develops between the ages of 30 to 50 but can even start in childhood. Men and women are equally at risk. People with psoriatic arthritis might not have obvious psoriasis skin findings or they might have minimal scaly red skin on the scalp, in the bellybutton or between the buttocks. Some might just have nail abnormalities and arthritis and no other skin symptoms.
80% of those with psoriatic arthritis do have nail abnormalities.
Symptoms can vary but any joint in the body can be affected and such joints may be swollen and painful. Psoriatic arthritis generally affects the most distant joints of the fingers and toes. It can also affect large joints, such as the hips and knees and about a third of people with psoriatic arthritis also have a stiff painful lower back or neck. In some people, this form of arthritis can affect the same joint on both sides of the body (for example both knees) whilst in others only one knee would be affected.
Eye symptoms can affect some 30% of those with psoriatic arthritis, so regular eye check ups are advised.
The exact cause of psoriatic arthritis is unknown although the inflammation of the joints is known to be caused by cells of the immune system that attack the joints and medical studies point to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. About 40% of people with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis have a close relative with the same condition. And such environmental factors would be illnesses, infections and stress.
Although psoriatic arthritis is a chronic arthritis, in some people it is mild and "comes and goes" whilst in others it can be a persistent arthritis that can cause joint damage if not treated timeously.
Usually the psoriatic arthritis develops in those who have had psoriasis for many years - at least 5 to 10 years. In rare cases if the inflammation is prolonged, the joints can become permanently damaged. Sometimes, psoriatic arthritis is incorrectly diagnosed as gout or can even be associated with gout.
Obviously, the quality of life to be enjoyed by someone with psoriatic arthritis will depend on which joints are involved together with the severity of the symptoms. You need to watch out for tiredness and anemia as well as some mood swings but for most patients, the correct treatment will relieve pain, protect the joints and maintain mobility.
Amoils offers all natural treatments for common conditions and ailments such as Psoriatic_ Arthritis using essential oils. Visit www.amoils.com for more information.
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