Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes areas of inflammation characterized by red and scaly patches. The elbows, knees and scalp are the most common places on your body affected by psoriasis. But some 30 percent of people with psoriasis also have an associated joint disease known as psoriasis arthritis.

Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are similar to those of rheumatoid arthritis, with the exception of the rheumatoid nodules. Persons with psoriatic arthritis usually have mild flare ups and a very small chance of it developing into any type of crippling arthritis.  It affects both males and females between the ages of thrity and thirty five.

Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are swelling, warmth, tenderness and limited movement of a joint.  It can affect one joint or several of them.  A psoriatic lesion usually paves the way for the development of the arthritis.  For example, psoriasis of the nails may cause psoriatic arthritis of the hand joints.  Once psoriatic arthritis has developed, it usually returns with the skin lesions during a flare up.

For those with inflammatory arthritis, a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis is usually given when skin lesions develop.  Blood tests and x-rays can confirm this diagnosis.  There are also tests available to differentiate it from things like gout or septic arthritis.

Those who have mild psoriatic arthritis should minimize their movements.  Hot baths and heat pads will also help.  Some inflammatory medications should also be of benefit.

Psoriasis is not contagious and patients with psoriatic arthritis should be reassured about this.  They should not hesitate to go out and be with others because of their condition.

And those who are around people with psoriasis shouldn’t show any signs of repulsion, so as not to make the sufferer any more self conscious.

People with psoriatic arthritis should have adequate rest and take precautions to protect any affected joints.  Regular sun exposure can be helpful to those who suffer from psoriatic arthritis.