Psoriatic arthritis is a condition that combines the swollen, sore joints of arthritis with psoriasis. Psoriasis typically causes itchy, scaly red patches to appear on the skin and scalp. There are five types of psoriatic arthritis in which your doctor will help diagnose. These include:
Symmetric psoriatic arthritis
Asymmetric psoriatic arthritis
Distal interphalangeal psoriatic arthritis
Spondylitis psoriatic arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis mutilins
Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are different for each person. They can be mild to severe. Sometimes your condition will go into remission and you’ll feel better for a while. Other times your symptoms may get worse. Your symptoms also depend on the type of psoriatic arthritis you have.
Red, raised, inflamed patches of skin
Blisters oozing pus
Pitted, discoloured, and possibly thickened fingernails and/or toenails
Itching and burning sensations around patches
Dry skin that may crack and bleed
Joint pain (psoriatic arthritis)
Sensitivity to friction and sweating
Possible swelling & soreness of the affected areas
Doctors are unclear of the direct cause of psoriasis. However, research shows two key factors that play a role: genetics and the immune system. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition. Autoimmune conditions are the result of the body attacking itself. In the case of psoriasis, white blood cells known as T cells mistakenly attack the skin cells.
Some people inherit genes that make them more likely to develop psoriasis. If you have an immediate family member with psoriasis, your risk for developing it is higher.
If you have symptoms of psoriasis, your doctor or dermatologist can make a diagnosis by examining your skin. If your symptoms are unclear, your doctor may take a biopsy of the skin for more detailed examination. Your doctor will identify the types of lesions and their severity to determine the best treatment. They may also request the following tests:
Allergy panel IgA, IgE, IgG and inhalants (blood)
GI Mapping stool test