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Arthritis National Psoriatic arthritis can occur in people who Research Foundation have (scaly red and white patch- Points To Remember About 5354 E. 2nd St. STE 201 es). It affects the and areas where tissues Psoriatic Arthritis Long Beach, CA 90803 attach to bone.

800-588-2873 • Psoriatic arthritis can occur The joints most often affected are: in people who have psoriasis Email: (scaly red and white skin [email protected] • The outer joints of the fingers or . patches). Website: • . www.CureArthritis.org • . • It affects the joints and areas • . where tissues attach to bone. • Lower back. • No one knows what causes psoriatic arthritis. Research- Who gets psoriatic arthritis? ers believe that both genes and environment are in- Anyone with psoriasis (scaly red and white volved. skin patches) can have psoriatic arthritis. U.S. Department of • are used to Health and Human It is more common in whites than in treat symptoms of psoriatic Services African Americans or Asian Americans. The arthritis. You should talk to your doctor about the best Public Health Service disease typically begins between the ages of 30 and 50, but can begin in medications for you. National Institute of childhood. Arthritis and • Exercise, heat and cold Musculoskeletal and therapies, relaxation exer- Skin Diseases Who treats psoriatic arthritis? cises, splints and braces, and assistive devices can help. National Institutes of Health Doctors who diagnose and treat psoriatic 1 AMS Circle arthritis include: Bethesda, MD 20892 • A general practitioner, such as your family doctor. 301.495.4484 • A rheumatologist, who treats arthritis and other diseases of the bones, joints, 877.22.NIAMS and muscles. Email: [email protected] Who causes psoriatic arthritis? Website: www.niams.nih.gov No one knows what causes psoriatic arthritis. Researchers believe that both genes and environment are involved.

ANRF/NIH Psoriatic Arthritis Fact Sheet Page 1 How is psoriatic arthritis treated?

Treatments are used to help relieve , reduce swelling, help keep joints working and possibly prevent further damage. Treatment recommendations are based on the type of psoriatic arthritis, severity and response to treatment.

Drugs for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis can be divided into several categories: • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) include over-the-counter medications such as aspirin and , as well as prescription-strength products with similar properties. • Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may relieve more severe symptoms and attempt to slow or stop joint damage and the progression of psoriatic arthritis. • Biologic agents such as Enbrel, Humira, Remicade, Simponi, Stelara and Otezla are called “bi- ologic” DMARDs. They are highly selective agents that target specific parts of the immune system that cause psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

What are the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis? Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include:

• Joint pain and swelling that may come and go. Joints may also be red and warm. • in the heel and bottom of the foot. • Pain and stiffness in the neck and lower back. • , especially in the morning. • Painful, sausage-like swelling of the fingers and/or toes. • Thickness and reddening of the skin with flaky, silver white patches called scales. • Pitting of the nails or separation from the nail bed. • Tiredness. • Pink eye or other eye infections.

Is there a test for psoriatic arthritis? If you have psoriasis and start to develop joint pain, it’s important to see your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment of psoriatic arthritis can help prevent joint damage.

Although there is no test for psoriatic arthritis, your doctor may do the following to diagnosis you with the condition:

• Ask you about your medical and family history. • Give you a physical exam. • Take samples of blood or joint fluid for a laboratory test. • Take x-rays.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services | National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases National Institutes of Health | 1 AMS Circle, Bethesda, MD 20892 877.22.NIAMS | [email protected] | www.niams.nih.gov

ANRF/NIH Psoriatic Arthritis Fact Sheet Page 2