Psoriasis is a fairly common chronic disease that affects mainly skin tissues, less often nails. And although with appropriate treatment, such a disease is not dangerous, complications in the form of psoriatic arthritis are observed in about 15% of cases. How does this disease manifest itself, and are there effective methods of treating it?
Forms and causes of psoriatic arthritis
Of course, such a complication can occur even in pediatric patients. However, statistical studies confirm that people aged 30 to 50 are more susceptible to this form of arthritis. In addition, in many patients with psoriasis, this complication appears only several years after the first exacerbation of the skin disease. Only in 10-15% of cases, symptoms of psoriatic arthritis appear first, and only then skin lesions appear.
Arthritis can affect almost any joint or ligament. Nonethelessmost often, the inflammatory process develops in the interphalangeal joints on the legs and arms. In some cases, spondylitis develops, in which the intervertebral articular surfaces are affected. In addition, the possibility of symmetrical polyarthritis, the clinical picture of which resembles rheumatoid arthritis, cannot be ruled out.
As for the causes, to date, scientists have not yet been able to figure out why only some people with psoriasis suffer from this complication. Nevertheless, it has been proven that heredity and the state of the immune system are of great importance here.
Main symptoms of psoriatic arthritis
Inflammation of the joints, of course, is accompanied by pain, the intensity of which depends on the severity of the disease. In addition, the skin over the affected area of the motor apparatus swells strongly, and sometimes turns red, becomes hot to the touch. Patients complain of a feeling of stiffness in the joints, which becomes especially noticeable in the morning.
In addition, you need to pay attention to other symptoms. In particular, psoriasis is accompanied by the appearance of a very characteristic rash. Skin lesions are rounded pink plaques that rise slightly above the surface of the skin - their formation is associated with increased cell proliferation. Psoriatic plaques can vary in size and occur on different parts of the body, including the face, chest, arms, and scalp. The disease is accompanied by severe itching and burning.
How to treatpsoriatic arthritis?
The treatment of psoriasis, as well as its complications, is a complex and lengthy process. Modern medicine is not able to completely cure the disease, but can help to cope with periods of exacerbation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are primarily used to treat arthritis to relieve pain. Various ointments, gels, warm compresses, warm baths help to cope with joint damage. In rare cases, hormonal preparations are used, which are injected directly into the joint bag. Diet for psoriatic arthritis is also important. Patients are advised to exclude alcohol, chocolate, sweets, fatty and spicy foods from the diet. And with severe stiffness, the doctor selects a suitable complex of therapeutic exercises.
