Arthritis Symptoms and Diagnosis Psoriatic Arthritis

Signs and symptoms
... Although psoriatic arthritis normally affects only people with psoriasis, skin and joint problems usually don''t develop simultaneously. Many people have psoriasis long before they develop arthritic s...

Causes
... Psoriasis is a skin condition marked by a rapid buildup of rough, dry, dead skin cells that form thick scales. Arthritis causes pain and stiffness in your joints. Both are autoimmune problems — ...

Risk factors
... Having psoriasis is the single greatest risk factor for psoriatic arthritis. Other risk factors include: Heredity. Nearly half of people with psoriatic arthritis have a close relative with the disease...

When to seek medical advice
... For some people, psoriasis is a minor nuisance. For others, it can be extremely disabling. Talk to your doctor if any skin condition causes you discomfort and pain, makes performing routine tasks diff...

Screening and diagnosis
... Diagnosing psoriatic arthritis can be difficult for several reasons. One problem is that you''re considered to have psoriatic arthritis only when you have symptoms of both psoriasis and arthritis. Yet...

Blood Tests
... Patients with arthritis will probably have blood tests as part of their initial evaluation and follow-up care. This is because blood is the most easily and safely sampled body tissue and contains trac...