Psoriatic arthritis is due to inflammation of the affected joints, in patients who have psoriasis.
Psoriatic arthritis is a clinical diagnosis .There is no specific test to confirm Psoriatic arthritis. In 2/3 rd of the patients, skin lesions precede the arthritis whereas in 1/3 rd of the patients arthritis precedes the skin lesions.
When psoriatic arthritis affects fingers and toes, they appear like sausages (dactylitis).Psoriatic arthritis can occur in any joint.
Sometimes it can affect the nails and eyes. Common nail changes are pitting, nail thickening and nail destruction .The common eye symptoms are recurrent, painful red eye, (Uveitis).
The drugs commonly used in Psoriatic arthritis are Methotrexate, Sulfasalazine , Leflunomide, steroids and NSAIDS. Regular physiotherapy of affected joints also help the patient
