INFLAMMATORY ARTHRITIS ASSOCIATED WITH PSORIASIS
Psoriatic Arthritis
A chronic inflammatory arthritis that develops in some people with psoriasis, causing painful, swollen joints, nail changes and skin involvement. Managed with specialist long-term care.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory arthritis that occurs in some people with psoriasis, the chronic skin condition characterised by red, scaly patches. PsA affects approximately one in five people with psoriasis, although it can occasionally precede skin disease. The pattern of joint involvement varies widely — it can affect small joints of the hands and feet asymmetrically, large joints, the spine, or specific patterns such as inflammation of an entire finger or toe (dactylitis or 'sausage digit'). Typical features include joint pain, swelling and stiffness, inflammation of tendons (enthesitis), nail changes (pitting, separation from nail bed), skin patches of psoriasis, tiredness and reduced range of motion. Diagnosis is based on clinical features, skin examination, X-rays and blood tests; rheumatoid factor is typically negative. Treatment includes anti-inflammatory therapy, disease-modifying therapy, biological therapy in selected cases and management of skin disease. Early treatment significantly improves outcomes. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides initial evaluation and co-management with rheumatology and dermatology at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Autoimmune attack on joints in people with psoriasis
- Strong genetic component — family history common
- Specific genes associated with psoriatic arthritis
- Triggers including infections, stress and injury
- Smoking and obesity increase risk and severity
- Linked to inflammatory bowel disease in some patients
- Exact mechanism not fully understood
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Clinical features, skin and nail examination, X-rays and blood tests; rheumatoid factor typically negative
Asymmetric · Symmetric · Spinal · Dactylitis · Distal-finger involvement
Anti-inflammatory therapy, disease-modifying and biological therapy
Often need coordinated treatment
Higher risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad — co-managed with rheumatology and dermatology
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Coordinated Skin & Joint Care
The most effective approach is coordinated care between rheumatology and dermatology, with disease-modifying therapy or biological therapy when needed for both joint and skin disease, alongside lifestyle measures including weight management and smoking cessation.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Pravallika reviews joint and skin symptoms, examines joints, skin and nails and arranges blood tests and X-rays.
- 2
Treatment Planning
A personalised plan is created in coordination with rheumatology and dermatology, with treatments targeting both joints and skin.
- 3
Medical Management
Anti-inflammatory therapy, disease-modifying therapy, biological therapy in selected cases and topical or other treatments for skin.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Long-term follow-up with regular review of joint and skin activity, and management of cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Anti-Inflammatory Therapy
Anti-inflammatory medical therapy helps control pain and stiffness in mild psoriatic arthritis.
Disease-Modifying Therapy (Referral for rheumatology)
Specific disease-modifying medical therapy is used for moderate disease to slow progression and reduce joint damage.
Biological Therapy in Selected Cases
Biological therapy is highly effective for moderate to severe PsA, treating both joint and skin disease in many patients.
Coordinated Skin Treatment (Referral for dermatology)
Skin psoriasis is treated with topical therapy, phototherapy or systemic therapy in coordination with dermatology.
Lifestyle Measures and Cardiovascular Risk Management
Weight management, smoking cessation, exercise and management of cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors significantly improve outcomes.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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