What Is Psoriatic Arthritis?
While it is not unusual for the skin around affected joints to crack, approximately one million people with symptoms of
psoriasis also experience joint inflammation. This condition is called
psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic
arthritis can happen at any age, although it is more common in people between the age of 30 and 50. Men and women are equally as likely to develop psoriatic arthritis.
Most often, psoriatic arthritis develops after a person has had psoriasis for several years. However, in 15 percent of people
psoriatic arthritis symptoms develop before the skin symptoms of psoriasis appear. In another 15 percent, psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are diagnosed at the same time.
Symptoms of Psoriasis and Quality of Life
People with psoriasis may experience things that negatively impact their quality of life, including:
- Significant physical discomfort and some disability.
- Itching and pain can that can interfere with basic functions such as self-care, walking, and sleep.
- Plaques on hands and feet that can prevent individuals from working at certain occupations. Other activities such as playing certain sports or even caring for family members or a home may be difficult as well.
- Costly and frequent medical care for psoriasis, which can interfere with an employment or school schedule.
- For people with moderate to severe symptoms of psoriasis, feeling self-conscious about their appearance and having a poor self-image that stems from fear of public rejection and psychosexual concerns.
- Psychological distress that can lead to significant depression and social isolation.
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