Sufferers of the debilitating skin condition psoriasis often face the risk of developing a psoriatic rheumatoid arthritis, a form of the chronic joint condition that only occurs in those with the skin disease. Around 1 in 10 people with psoriasis will go on to develop arthritis. The exact cause of psoriatic rheumatoid arthritis is not known, although it is believed a virus or other environmental factor leads to the immune system attacking the tissue around the joints.
Psoriatic rheumatoid arthritis is a particularly debilitating form of the disease with the main joints becoming inflamed, painful and swollen. Mobility becomes difficult as your joints stiffen. Sufferers already dealing with the itchy, red and scaly skin that comes with psoriasis face an even greater challenge when they develop arthritis.
Once diagnosed, you are likely to be placed on anti-inflammatory medication, steroid and non-steroidal, to help reduce the inflammation, although none of these drugs will be able to halt the damage already caused to your joints. Over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen are also recommended to supplement any prescribed medication.
Your doctor might suggest some changes in your diet to improve your general wellbeing – certain foodstuff, such as dairy, can be an irritant to your digestive system and increase the painful inflammation of the joints. Gentle, regular exercise such as walking or cycling is also vital in keeping your muscles in good working order so they can take the strain from the joints affected by your condition.
Some of the newer drugs used to treat psoriatic rheumatoid arthritis have proved to highly effective in giving pain relief and protecting the joints from further damage but do come with serious side effects. Your GP will discuss these side effects fully with you before placing you on any new medication, allowing you to make an informed choice about your treatment.
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