Psoriatic Arthritis in Victoria

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Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that
develops in some people who experience the skin
condition psoriasis. The skin is in a constant
process of regeneration, and completely replaces
itself over the course of a month. New skin cells
form underneath the outer layer of older skin,
which then sloughs off to expose the newer skin.
Psoriasis develops when the regeneration process
occurs too quickly- the new skin cells develop
faster than they should and the old skin is not
shed quick enough. This causes scaly red patches
of skin to form, known as plaques, which can
become very sore and itchy. These psoriasis
plaques are usually found in localized patches on
the knees, elbows, buttocks or head but can be
found anywhere on the body and can occasionally
cover a wider area.
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Psoriatic arthritis generally only develops in
psoriasis sufferers, although this does not mean
that psoriasis sufferers will automatically
develop the condition, nor does it mean that
those with the most severe psoriasis symptoms
will develop more severe forms of psoriatic
arthritis. The condition occurs in around five to
ten percent of people with psoriasis. In
addition, around fifteen percent of people
develop psoriatic arthritis before experiencing
the symptoms of psoriasis.
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Different Types of Psoriatic Arthritis and Their
Symptoms
There are five different types of psoriatic
arthritis, and each type has its own symptoms and
treatment. Symmetric arthritis this affects the
same joints in pairs, on each side of the body
for example both knee joints will be affected.
The symptoms resemble a milder form of rheumatoid
arthritis, although it can occur in more severe
forms and cause deformity to the joints.
Symmetrical arthritis is the second most common
form of psoriatic arthritis and tends to cause
more severe psoriasis symptoms. Asymmetric
arthritis this tends to affect only a few
joints, generally less than five, and joints are
affected individually rather than in pairs.
Although any joint can be affected, it is most
common on the fingers and toes, and can cause a
swelling in fingers known as 'sausage digits'.
Asymmetrical arthritis is one of the most common
forms of psoriatic arthritis, and is milder and
less progressive than other types. Digital
Interphalangeal Predominant (DIP) arthritis this
affects the last joint in the toes and fingers,
and can be mistaken for osteoarthritis.
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Different Types of Psoriatic Arthritis and Their
Symptoms
Arthritis mutilans this is a rare form of
psoriatic arthritis, affecting fewer than 5 of
sufferers, but can be severe. It can destroy
cartilage and bone tissue, and can cause
deformity to the hands, feet or spine. It
generally occurs in flare ups and subsequent
remissions, which are reflected in the symptoms
of psoriasis. Spondylitis this is an
inflammation of the spinal joints and discs, and
can be very severe, resulting in spinal
deformities if not treated. It can also affect
the joints and ligaments in the arms and legs.
The predominant symptoms include stiffness in the
back and neck joints, tenderness and inflammation.
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• Other Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms
• In addition to the above symptoms, there are
  several more which can indicate the presence of
  the condition
• Swelling, throbbing, redness and stiffness in the
  affected joints, particularly first thing in the
  morning or after a period of rest
• Reduced range of movement in the affected joints
  of digits
• Swelling to the fingers or toes, as the joints
  and connective tissues become inflamed
• General tiredness
• Changes in finger and toe nails nails may become
  thicker or become 'pitted' in appearance

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