PSORIASIS AND PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS: THE FACTS

÷Psoriasis is a chronic, genetic condition, which leads to skin plaques or raised patches on the body. There are different types but the most common involves plaque psoriasis affecting approximately 90 per cent of patients. It is brought on by irregularities in the body’s immune system and arises from an increase in the rate at which skin cells are produced and shed from the skin. It tends to run in families, while being overweight is a risk factor for its development too. It may also be triggered by environmental factors, including infections such as strep throat, injury to the skin, certain medications, heavy drinking, smoking and stress. Psoriasis affects women and men equally, and gener- ally develops in young adolescents (age 16-22) or in adulthood (average 33 years of age). It is not contagious or the result of poor hygiene. ÷ Unfortunately, there is no cure for psoriasis yet, but it can be controlled. No single medication is effective for everyone affected and patients may be prescribed a number of different treatments. These include topical creams and ointments, phototherapy which is a form of artificial ultraviolet light, medications or injections, and biologic treatments which target specific parts of the immune system. Selfcare is key and it is important to look at other lifestyle factors such as stopping smoking, avoiding excess alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, undertaking regular exercise and having risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly. ÷ Unfortunately, people with more severe psoriasis – approximately 9,000 people in Ireland – are more likely to have other health issues. Ask a doctor about any potential risk for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression and psoriatic arthritis. ÷Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory form of arthritis associated with psoriasis. Its symptoms include joint pain, swelling of the fingers and toes, nail changes, morning stiffness in the back, and pain in the heels or tennis elbow. For most people, psoriasis develops around ten years before psoriatic arthritis, while approximately one in six will develop joint problems first, or both skin and joint problems simultaneously. Treatments are available to reduce pain and inflammation, and to prevent long-term joint damage. Other interventions include: physiotherapy occupational therapy guidance to reduce strain and prevent further damage to affected joints; podiatry advice on footwear to help keep the foot in the best alignment position; and dietary support when weight loss is important to reduce extra strain on joints. ÷People with psoriasis who have not been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis should answer what is known as the Psoriasis Epidemiology Screening Tool, annually. If your answer is yes to three of the following questions, then you should seek a referral to a rheumatologist: Have you ever had a swollen joint or joints? Has a doctor ever told you that you have arthritis? Do your finger nails or toenails have holes or pits? Have you had pain in your heel? Have you had a finger or toe that was completely swollen and painful for no apparent reason? To download the Irish Skin Foundation’s booklet on the subject visit