From Plaque Psoriasis, Moving Towards Psoriatic Arthritis

Plaque Psoriasis is a chronic, non-contagious autoimmune skin disease, causing red, scaly patches due to rapid skin cell reproduction. It mainly harms elbow, knee or scalp, but can be spread to any other part. Up to 30% of patients also suffer from inflammation of joints which is called as Psoriatic Arthritis. Several types of psoriatic arthritis include Symmetric arthritis, Asymmetric arthritis, Distal interphalangeal predominant, Spondylitis, Arthritis mutilans.

Though psoriasis can be genetic but it goes worse due to stress, alcohol consumption and smoking. It can occur at any age but mostly it is found in an age group of 15-20 in the beginning. But psoriatic arthritis occurs between ages of 30-50. It is found that, more than 9 million people suffer from these diseases. The psoriasis treatment takes place in three stages basically. If found in mild stage, i.e.- small areas of the body like less than 10% of the total skin surface, then topical (skin applied) creams, lotions, and sprays may be very effective and safe to use.

Occasionally, a small local injection of steroids directly into tough or resistant isolated plaque psoriasis may be helpful. For moderate to severe disease that involves much larger areas of the body (like 20% or more of the total skin surface), topical products may not be effective or practical to apply. So exposing the skin to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is done. This treatment is generally called as phototherapy. The third stage includes medication through pills or injection which is known as systemic treatment. The three basic traditional systemic medications are methotrexate, cyclosporine and retinoids.

While in Psoriatic arthritis, a localized form of psoriatic arthritis is very mild and usually will affect the two joints. A person may suffer for long time with absolutely no symptoms of disease at all. It normally causes less deformity and leads to long-term disability.

But in "Generalized" disabling psoriatic arthritis, people have 3 or more numbers of affected joints having a higher probability of joint destruction and further disability. When it is not cured by anti-inflammatory medicines, then more virile medications are needed. Some times surgery followed by rehabilitation is badly required to get well soon.

In the UK The Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance (PAPAA) has funded research carried out to develop a symptom management programme called Electronic Targeted Intervention for Psoriasis) using a modified Cognitive Behavior Therapy model. This research is on psychological stress, distress and disability in patients with psoriasis. It is a condition for life time that is why called as chronic. Though there is no hundred percent guarantee regarding curability, but various treatments can help to control it. Severe psoriasis carries an increased risk of significant morbidity including skin cancers, lymphoma, liver disease, diabetes, heart disease, obesity and depression. A healthy lifestyle is basically important for people suffering from this disease. Regular exercises, healthy diet, stress reduction and a strong support network help the patients to develop mentally and physically a lot.