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While there are well over 100 different types of arthritis in existence, unfortunately many people do not even realize that there are other types of arthritis besides rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. But guess what my friend, there are many other types of arthritis that can invade your life. One of the less well-known forms of this disease is known as psoriatic arthritis. What is psoriatic arthritis? As its name indicates, psoriatic arthritis is associated with psoriasis, the common skin condition characterized by inflammation of the skin, scaling, and red raised patches of skin. It is estimated that psoriasis affects approximately 2 per cent of the Caucasian population in the United States, although it can occur in people from all backgrounds. When you have psoriasis, this skin condition attacks the skin of the knees, the elbows, the scalp and the face. It can even be seen in the navel! One of the most distressing areas that you may find psoriasis in in the genital and anal area. There is a small portion of those who suffer with psoriasis who also develop inflammation in the impacted joints. It is this small population of sufferers who are then identified as being diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. So there you go. Seems to go hand in hand. Having psoriasis, the skin condition, is a major risk factor for the development of psoriatic arthritis. This is particularly true if your psoriasis has begun to affect the joint. Not typically a young persons' disease, psoriatic arthritis most often impacts most patients later in life, most often when people are in their forties and fifties. Men and women seem to be equally attacked by this condition. There doesn't seem to be an increased incidence of occurrence between one sex or the other. In this case, men and women are equal! The majority of those who battle psoriatic arthritis actually battle psoriasis first. Yes, many patients experience the onset of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis at different times. So it should be a warning sign that if you see psoriasis that you should also be on the look out for the signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. The majority of patients experience onset of the diseases at different times. It is common that patients develop psoriasis before experiencing symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. Approximately 80 per cent of psoriatic arthritis patients develop psoriasis before the arthritis. Like other forms of arthritis, psoriatic arthritis is a systematic disease. This means it may affect other areas of the body beside the affected joints. In psoriatic arthritis patients, this means they may be susceptible to other problems. The most commonly affected areas include the lungs, kidneys, eyes, mouth, skin and the heart. Unfortunately, when psoriatic arthritis is severe, other terribly important organs can also be attacked. Just like with other varieties of arthritis, psoriatic arthritis can also attack the spine with an inflammatory reaction. This is really true of spondylitis arthritis and reactive arthritis. Again, this is such an important thing to remember so that you are well aware of the potential of inflammatory spinal involvement if you indeed are battling psoriatic arthritis. So just what is responsible for psoriatic arthritis? What is the cause of psoriatic arthritis? While there are many theories on the "why" behind the reasons patients develop psoriatic arthritis, the bottom line is that the cause of this condition truly remains unknown. The majority of health care professionals generally agree that psoriatic arthritis is most probably a result of a combination of factors. These factors can be related to a variety of environmental factors, genetic factors and even an immune system basis. Researchers have been able to identify a genetic marker known as gene marker-HLA-B27- that is often present in the DNA of many of those patients who suffer with psoriatic arthritis. Other genes also appear frequently, furthering the notion that psoriatic arthritis is genetic in nature. Currently there are blood tests available that test individuals for these genes. Another common factor in most psoriatic arthritis cases helps support the notion that the disease is at lease partly immune in nature. Changes in the immune system also appear to be a common factor. In these cases, environmental factors (including the presence of infectious agents) may be responsible for the development of the disease. So, with psoriatic arthritis, you must work collaboratively with your health care provider so that you have an aggressive management plan designed specifically for you. This management plan must take into account its practicality and your willingness to comply. Psoriatic arthritis is a battle faced by many each and every day, but it does not have to be a battle that you give up on long before the fight begins. Be your own best advocate if you are facing psoriatic arthritis. Do it well and do it now!
By: Tammy Foster
For more important information on arthritis resources visit www.arthritis-life.com where you'll find information on arthritis topics such as arthritis symptoms, arthritis relief & more
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