Psoriatic Arthritis is a long-standing or chronic disease that tends to worsen over time. Most people will experience alternating periods of symptom worsening and remission i.e., improvement in symptoms.^[1]

In most cases, skin symptoms precede joint symptoms by approximately 7 years, which makes detection easier.

Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic Arthritis mainly affects:^[3]

• Skin and nails
  • Rashes, scales on skin. Nail deformities and pitting.
• Tendons and joints
  • Swelling on tendons, painful joints, restricted movement, stiffness
• Toes and fingers
  • Swelling on fingers and toes

Here are 3 simple steps to ensure early detection of Psoriatic Arthritis:

• Beware of your symptoms.
• Know your risk.
• Communicate with your Dermatologist.

1. Be aware of your symptoms

To be able to detect Psoriatic Arthritis early is the key to better management of the disease. You may already be affected by the Psoriasis skin symptoms like scaly skin, red, silvery and itchy skin patches and rash.

Be watchful for the tell-tale signs of Psoriatic Arthritis that can prompt early diagnosis:^[5][6]

• Do you experience stiffness and or swelling in your fingers and toes?
• Do you have foot pain especially where tendons and ligaments attach to the bones at the back of the heel or in the soles of the feet?
• Are you suffering with lower back pain?
• Do you feel that your joint movements are reduced?

2. Know your risk

The knowledge that you may be at risk of developing Psoriatic Arthritis puts you one step ahead of the game.

You would be at a high risk of developing Psoriatic Arthritis if:^[2]

• You suffer from any skin Psoriasis like scalp Psoriasis, inverse Psoriasis and nail Psoriasis or any form of severe Psoriasis.
• You have a family history or first degree relative with Psoriatic Arthritis.
• You are obese or suffer from any inflammatory condition.

If you fall under any one of these categories, inform your Dermatologist immediately.

3. Communicate with your Dermatologist

Communication is one of the essential parts of good healthcare. Regular follow-ups with your Dermatologist followed by adherence to the prescribed treatment will help you achieve your treatment goals. Writing down your queries and or symptoms prior to your visit will help you get across your points accurately. Be sure to discuss about your condition, treatment goals and treatment methods with your Dermatologist.

“It is health that is the real wealth, and not pieces of silver or gold” – Mahatma Gandhi

Talk to your Dermatologist about biologics for clear* skin

*No plaque elevation, erythema or scaling, hyperpigmentation maybe present.

References

1. American College of Rheumatology. Patient Fact Sheet. Available [Online] at: https://www.rheumatology.org/Portals/0/Files/Psoriatic-Arthritis-Fact-Sheet.pdfAccessed on 4th May 2020.
2. Scher JU, et al. Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2019 Mar;15(3):153-166.
3. Mease PJ et al. Drugs 2014;74:423–441.
4. Coates LC, et al. Clinical Medicine 2017;17(1):65–70.
5. Psoriatic Arthritis. Available [Online] at: https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/psoriatic-arthritis/psoriatic-arthritis-the-basicsAccessed on 2 July 2020.
6. Mayo clinic. Psoriatic Arthritis. Available [Online] at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriatic-arthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354076Accessed on 4th May 2020.

P3 Code: UP/Pso/103971/18/11/20