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( 1999 )
What is psoriatic arthritis?

Psoriasis is a common disorder in which areas of the skin become inflamed, thickened, dry and scaly. In addition to the major involvement of the skin, it also can cause pitting of the nails and damage to joints. Psoriatic arthritis, which is arthritis associated with psoriasis, tends to develop slowly but progressively. It commonly involves the small joints of the hands and feet and may cause discomfort and deformity. Less commonly, larger joints and those of the spine are involved (psoriatic spondylitis).
Psoriatic arthritis occurs in only about 5 percent to 10 percent of people with the skin problem and is most common in younger adults. In rare instances, arthritis associated with psoriasis even precedes the onset of the skin manifestations. There may be genetic factors that increase the risk of the psoriatic arthritis, but the exact cause remains unknown
Treatment initially includes anti-inflammatory medications, as well as treatment of the underlying psoriasis. Fortunately, the effects of the arthritis are minor for most affected people.