How To Cure Arthritis Psoriasis
August 22, 2009 by Kelly Limpert
Filed under Health and Fitness
Psoriatic arthritis, also called arthritis psoriasis, is an illness of the skin and joints that results in inflammation. Symptoms of psoriasis are patches of skin that are raised, scaly, and red. About ten percent of people with psoriasis also develop inflammatory arthritis. When these two diseases are present it is called arthritis psoriasis.
The psoriasis and arthritis usually don’t appear at the same time. In around 80. The time between the two conditions varies for each individual, but they can appear years apart.
Both women and men, usually in their forties and fifties, can get arthritis psoriasis. There is no known cause of arthritis psoriasis. At this time there is no cure but there are a wide variety of treatments.
Psoriasis can occur anywhere on the body. The scalp, knees, and elbows are three of the most common areas affected by psoriasis. Arthritis causes joints to inflame and become swollen, hot, painful, and red. The hip, knees, ankles, and wrists are some of the most affected joints with arthritis psoriasis.
A variety of medications exist to control the inflammation. Your doctor may recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), immuno-suppressant medications, or TNF-alpha inhibitors. For severe cases of psoriatic arthritis, immuno-supressent medications or TNF-alpha inhibitors may be prescribed. Both are effective but can cause damaging side effects.
NSAIDs include ibuprofen and aspirin and can be over-the-counter or prescribed by your doctor. They can help control swelling and pain, but have side effects if used on a long term basis. Corticosteroids are good for mild arthritis psoriasis and may be injected straight into the joint or taken orally. Again, they are usually only prescribed short-term to avoid damaging side effects. DMARDs can actually limit joint damage caused by arthritis psoriasis. DMARDs take weeks or months to work, so they are often prescribed along with a pain reliever.
With so many medications available and so many potential side effects, it is important that you discuss the pro and cons of any treatment plan with your doctor. The right treatment will help you control your arthritis psoriasis.
