Psoriasis is a life-long immune condition, characterized by abnormal cell growth on the skin, eventually forming lesions. Psoriatic arthritis, a condition whereby pain and swelling develop in the joints, usually precedes psoriasis about 10 years before psoriasis develops, notes the PsoriasisNet website.
Signs
Characteristics of psoriatic arthritis include stiffness, pain, swelling and tenderness in the joints, affecting nearby ligaments and tendons, according to a 2008 article in the "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology" by Alan Mentor, M.D. Left untreated, the arthritis is severe and debilitating.
Time Frame
Psoriatic arthritis can develop at any age, including childhood, but primarily appears between the ages of 30 and 50, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Incidence
Studies remain controversial about what percentage of people with psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis. According to the article "Guidelines of Care for the Management of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis," the incidence can be as low as six percent and as high as 42 percent. According to a study published in the 2008 online edition of the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology, 3.2 million adult Americans are living with undiagnosed psoriasis.
Identification
According to PsoriaisNet, the fingers and toes are most affected, followed by the knees, back, neck, and ankles. The joints may feel hot and develop a purplish discoloration.
Early Warnings
Hand pain, foot pain and "tennis elbow" are early signs that may be overlooked if psoriasis lesions are not present on the skin, mentions PsoriasisNet.
