There are many different types of arthritis caused by a number of different factors, but did you know one type is linked to a skin disease.
Psoriatic arthritis affects people with psoriasis, a skin condition which causes redness, swelling and scaly patches of skin.
The skin condition often affects the scalp, face, elbows, knees and hands and it is estimated that up to 10 percent of psoriasis patients develop inflamed joints known as psoriatic arthritis.
People with psoriatic arthritis usually already suffer from psoriasis. In fact, 80 percent of people with this type of arthritis had the skin condition first.
Like other forms of arthritis, psoriatic arthritis is a systematic disease which can affect other parts of the body. It is not unusual for people with the condition to develop health problems with their kidneys and lungs and some may be prone to inflammation of the spine.
Like many other types of arthritis, the cause of psoriatic arthritis is unknown, but health experts believe that environmental factors play a part.
If you have psoriasis and are experiencing stiffness in your joints in the morning, swelling or tenderness in your joints or the swelling of a finger or toe, you should see your GP who may refer you to a rheumatologist.
Like all kinds of arthritis, catching it early is the key in ensuring that you get the best treatment as quickly as possible. If you suffer from psoriasis, having a good knowledge of what your condition could lead to is important in spotting signs of other health issues.