The Effects Of Rheumatoid Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that can be painful and debilitating. Many people who have psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis, go on to develop rheumatoid psoriasis. This condition can cause a rheumatoid psoriasis skin rash that is difficult to control. Learning the early signs and symptoms associated with this disease is key to successful management and pain control.Most people develop rheumatoid psoriasis about 5 to 12 years after the onset of psoriasis. It is most common in people 30 to 50 years of age, but children can also develop this disease. Psoriatic rheumatoid arthritis occurs in both men and women. Experts do not know the exact cause of this type of arthritis but it is thought to be an autoimmune disorder. These disorders cause the body to attack its tissues, flooding the joint spaces with white blood cells that cause inflammation and pain.The symptoms of rheumatoid psoriasis include skin rash and painful joints that are swollen. This type of arthritis most commonly affects the joints in the back, ankles, feet, fingers and toes.
Typically, the rheumatoid psoriasis skin rash appears first, then joint pain and swelling. This type of arthritis also causes pain in the tendons of affected joints, which most often occurs in the bottom of the feet, the Achilles tendon and in the elbow. Rheumatoid psoriasis may also be associated with early morning stiffness and stiff joints after periods of rest. Most people with rheumatoid psoriasis skin rash, find they have limited or reduced range of motion in the affected joints of the body. Rheumatoid psoriasis can also cause extreme fatigue, making it difficult to work or complete daily household tasks. Like people who are diagnosed with only rheumatoid arthritis, those with rheumatoid psoriasis skin rash are likely to have occasional flare-ups of symptoms. These flare-ups can last a few weeks or months. Psoriatic arthritis can also cause changes in fingernails and toenails, causing them to appear pitted or infected. Conjunctivitis in the eyes is another common symptoms of this autoimmune disorder. Most cases of rheumatoid psoriasis are systemic, meaning it affects both sides of the body simultaneously.
Approximately 6 to 42 percent of people who have psoriasis, will go on to develop psoriatic arthritis. While there is no known cause of this condition, it is thought to be genetic as it often runs in families. Rheumatoid psoriasis skin rash will not occur in all people who have been diagnosed with psoriasis. The arthritic condition may occur when certain factors trigger a response in the immune system in people who are genetically predisposed to this disease.
It can be difficult at times to obtain a diagnosis of rheumatoid psoriasis. This condition can mimic the symptoms in other forms of arthritis such as gout. Most general practitioners refer patients with symptoms of psoriatic arthritis to a rheumatologist for further evaluation and testing. X-rays may indicate changes to affected joints and blood tests can confirm the presence of C-reactive protein and rheumatoid factor. Once a diagnosis is made, the rheumatologist will recommend medications and self-care techniques to help patients manage the disease. Early treatment can help minimize damage to the affected joints.
http://www.aad.org/skin-conditions/dermatology-a-to-z/psoriatic-arthritis/who-gets-causes
http://www.arthritistoday.org/conditions/psoriatic-arthritis/psoriatic-arthritis-symptoms.php
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