In psoriatic arthritis, the arthritis and psoriasis rarely occur at the same time. Psoriasis occurs first for around 80% for most sufferers, while 15% with arthritis psoriasis will experience arthritis symptoms first. Years can pass before the other condition exhibits symptoms.

Arthritis psoriasis typically begins when a person is between forty and sixty. Men and women are both at risk. The exact cause of arthritis psoriasis is still unknown. There is no cure but many different treatments are present.

Psoriasis can happen anywhere on the body, but the elbows, knees, and scalp are some of the most commonly affected areas. The arthritis causes joints inflammation. The joints become red, swollen, hot, and painful. The most common joints to be affected by arthritis psoriasis are the knees, ankles, wrists, and hip.

There are numerous treatment options to help control the inflammation, but many of them do carry severe side effects if used on a long term basis. Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids, NSAIDs (nonsetroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, TNF-alpha inhibitors, or immunosuppressant medications. TNF-alpha inhibitors and immunosuppressant medications may be prescribed for severe cases of arthritis psoriasis. Their potential for causing severe side effects must be weighed against their effectiveness.

Corticosteroids are useful for mild cases of arthritis psoriasis. These can be taken orally or injected into the joint. They can have serious side effects and are not prescribed long term. NSAIDs are another drug that should be used on a short term basis. These can be over-the-counter, like aspirin, or be prescribed by your doctor. DMARDs can take months to work, but they can limit joint damage. They may be prescribed with a pain reliever.

Arthritis psoriasis is a painful condition that can affect your quality of life. Although there are a variety of treatments, many of them contain side effects. Because of this, discuss all of your options with your doctor. New and more effective treatments are always being developed.

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