According to the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF), psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that affects up to 30 percent of people who have a skin condition known as psoriasis.
Causes
According to the NPF, genetic and environmental factors are the cause for psoriatic arthritis. Also, 85 percent of the time, the skin disease of psoriasis precedes the joint disease of psoriatic arthritis.
Symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic, psoriatic arthritis causes pain and swelling in the joints, stiffness and joints that are warm to the touch.
Complications
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, psoriatic arthritis can cause inflammation in the vertebrae and lead to disabilities in the affected joints if untreated.
Diagnosis
According to the Mayo Clinic, there's no single test that can diagnose psoriatic arthritis. Doctors use several tests, including drawing blood, X-rays, MRIs and the drawing of fluid from the joint.
Treatment
There is no cure for psoriatic arthritis, according to the Mayo Clinic. Doctors may prescribe medications to treat symptoms such as inflammation, soreness, swelling, and stiffness.
