Symptoms and treatment of psoriatic arthritis

Psoriasis - a fairly common chronic disease, which affects mainly skin tissue, less often the nails. And although in the presence of appropriate treatment, such a disease is not dangerous, in about 15% of cases there are complications in the form of psoriatic arthritis. How does such a disease manifest, and are there effective methods for treating it?

The forms and causes of the appearance of psoriatic arthritis

Certainly, such a complication can be observed even in patients of childhood. Nevertheless, statistical studies confirm that this form of arthritis is more susceptible to people aged 30 to 50 years. In addition, many patients with psoriasis, this complication appears only a few years after the first exacerbation of skin disease. Only 10-15% of cases first appear symptoms of psoriatic arthritis and only then skin lesions.

Arthritis can affect almost any joints and ligaments. Nevertheless, most often the inflammatory process develops in the interphalangeal joints on the legs and hands. In some cases, spondylitis develops, in which the intervertebral articular surfaces are affected. In addition, the likelihood of symmetrical polyarthritis, whose clinical picture resembles rheumatoid arthritis , is not excluded .

As for the reasons, to date scientists have not yet managed to find out why only some people with psoriasis suffer from such a complication. Nevertheless, it is proved that the heredity and the state of the immune system is of great importance here.

The main symptoms of psoriatic arthritis

Inflammation of the joints, of course, is accompanied by pain, the intensity of which depends on the severity of the disease. In addition, the skin over the affected area of the motor apparatus greatly swells, and sometimes reddens, becomes hot to the touch. Patients complain of a feeling of stiffness in the joints, which becomes particularly noticeable in the morning.

In addition, you need to pay attention to other symptoms. In particular, psoriasis is accompanied by the appearance of a very characteristic rash. Skin lesions are rounded "plaques" of pink color, which slightly rise above the surface of the skin - their formation is associated with increased cell proliferation. Psoriatic plaques can have different sizes and appear on different parts of the body, including the face, chest, hands and scalp. The disease is accompanied by severe itching and burning.

How to treat psoriatic arthritis?

The treatment of psoriasis, as well as its complications, is a complex and lengthy process. Modern medicine is not capable of completely curing the disease, but it can help to cope with periods of exacerbation. For the treatment of arthritis, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are primarily used , which eliminate soreness. Help to cope with joint damage, various ointments, gels, warming compresses, warm baths. In rare cases, hormonal drugs are used, which are injected directly into the joint bag. Diet in psoriatic arthritis is also important. Patients are recommended to exclude from the diet alcohol, chocolate, sweets, fatty and spicy foods. And with a strong stiffness, the doctor selects a suitable set of therapeutic gymnastics.