Psoriasis is a fairly common chronic disease that affects mainly skin tissue, less often nails. And although with the appropriate treatment, such a disease is not dangerous, in about 15% of cases there are complications in the form of psoriatic arthritis. How does this ailment manifest itself, and are there effective methods for its treatment?
Forms and causes of psoriatic arthritis
Of course, such a complication can be observed even in pediatric patients. Nevertheless, statistical studies confirm that people aged 30 to 50 are more prone to this form of arthritis. In addition, in many patients with psoriasis, this complication appears only a few years after the first exacerbation of skin disease. Only in 10-15% of cases, symptoms of psoriatic arthritis appear first and only then skin lesions.
Arthritis can affect almost any joints and ligaments. Nevertheless, most often the inflammatory process develops in the interphalangeal joints on the legs and arms. In some cases, spondylitis develops, in which the intervertebral articular surfaces are affected. In addition, the likelihood of symmetric polyarthritis, the clinical picture of which resembles rheumatoid arthritis , is not ruled out .
As for the reasons, to date, scientists have not yet been able to find out why only some people with psoriasis suffer from such a complication. Nevertheless, it is proved that heredity and the state of the immune system are of great importance here.
The main symptoms of psoriatic arthritis
Joint inflammation, of course, is accompanied by pain, the intensity of which depends on the severity of the disease. In addition, the skin over the affected area of the musculoskeletal system strongly swells, and sometimes turns red, it becomes hot to the touch. Patients complain of a feeling of stiffness in the joints, which becomes especially noticeable in the morning.
In addition, you need to pay attention to other symptoms. In particular, psoriasis is accompanied by the appearance of a very characteristic rash. Skin lesions are rounded pink plaques that rise slightly above the surface of the skin - their formation is associated with increased cell proliferation. Psoriatic plaques can have different sizes and occur on different parts of the body, including the face, chest, arms and scalp. The disease is accompanied by severe itching and burning.
How to treat psoriatic arthritis?
The treatment of psoriasis, as well as its complications, is a complex and lengthy process. Modern medicine is not able to completely cure the disease, but can help cope with periods of exacerbation. For the treatment of arthritis, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that eliminate soreness are primarily used. Various ointments, gels, warming compresses, warm baths help to cope with joint damage. In rare cases, hormonal drugs are used that are injected directly into the joint bag. A diet for psoriatic arthritis is also important. Patients are advised to exclude alcohol, chocolate, sweets, fatty and spicy foods from the diet. And with severe stiffness, the doctor selects a suitable complex of therapeutic exercises.