Psoriasis and Joint Pain Could Signal Risk of Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriasis is an immune mediated disease that causes red, scaly patches on the skin and which affects an estimated one million Canadians. According to Readers Digest, if you live with psoriasis, it’s important to pay attention to joint pain and swelling. That's because you could be at risk of another chronic health condition: psoriatic arthritis or PsA. Between 10 to 30 per cent of psoriasis sufferers will develop PsA--a serious inflammatory disease that affects joints. The condition affects men and women equally, usually between ages 20 to 50--although it can strike at any age. Dr. Afsaneh Alavi is a Toronto-based dermatologist. Dr. Alavi explains, “PsA can come on suddenly or develop slowly, but in either case it can permanently destroy joints if left untreated. If you have psoriasis, tell your dermatologist if you feel joint pain or stiffness." PsA is a progressive disease, meaning that the earlier a diagnosis is made, the sooner the joint damage can be delayed or paused with the right medication.