Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment

Psoriatic Arthritis Victims

As mentioned, psoriatic arthritis is often linked with psoriasis. A report has been made that more than 80% of people suffering from psoriatic arthritis develop psoriatic nail lesions. This condition is characterized by pitting of the nails, and in extreme cases, loss of the nail itself (called, onycholysis).

Like most forms of arthritis, psoriatic arthritis can develop at any age. But lab reports show that, on average, the condition tends to appear about ten years after the first symptoms of psoriasis. Majority of patients with psoriasis develop the condition between the ages of thirty and fifty, even as psoriatic arthritis can also affect children.

The onset of the disease makes no distinction between genders. That means, whether male or female, both have the same tendency to develop this type of arthritis.

Psoriatic Arthritis Prevention

As is usual in medical science, the best bet in curing a disease is to identify what causes it and do something about it. Unfortunately, the exact cause of psoriatic arthritis or psoriasis is not known yet so a cure is yet to be found. However, treatments for psoriatic arthritis are designed in such a way as to reduce the inevitable pain that the patient suffers due to the inflammation.

The first step in treating the condition is to establish a correct diagnosis. This is important as this can be used as basis when assessing what can be done to manage the particular form of arthritis that you have. In addition, most therapies for arthritis work best when started early, when the disease has yet to progress. Consulting your doctor as soon as you notice signs of psoriasis can be a good aid in halting disease progression.

Psoriatic Arthritis Diagnosis

Skin and nail changes characteristic of psoriasis with accompanying arthritic symptoms are the hallmarks of psoriatic arthritis. A blood test for rheumatoid factor, antibodies that suggest the presence of rheumatoid arthritis, is negative in nearly all patients with psoriatic arthritis. X rays may show characteristic damage to the larger joints on either side of the body as well as fusion of the joints at the ends of the fingers and toes.

Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment

If you have psoriatic arthritis, you should have a treatment that will work on both the joint pain and the skin lesions caused by the condition. Some common treatments include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a common class of painkiller medications that are usually the first choice for treating psoriatic arthritis. These inlcudes pain killer drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen, others available by prescription.
• Disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are more powerful medicines that are used for severe cases of psoriatic arthritis. Methotrexate and cyclosporine are both powerful drugs that help fight psoriasis by supressing the immune system. They may also cause side effects and increase the risk of infection.
• Biologic therapy they work by targeting the immune system response that causes the symptoms of psoriasis, preventing the joints from becoming inflamed. So far, two drugs have been approved to treat psoriatic arthritis, Enbrel and Remicade. The evidence so far shows that they may be safer than many systemic medications. One drawback to the biologic medications is that they have to be injected or administered intravenously, and may also increase the risk of susceptibility to infections of the immune system.

Psoriatic arthritis can be upsetting and potentially disabling. Seeing the doctor early and planning on the treatment is the key to prevent worst symptoms from developing. Never ignore chronic aches and pains in your joints, especially if you have already been diagnosed with psoriasis, because damage to the joint and bones can happen quickly.