Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are linked because they share an issue with the immune system. In these conditions, the body’s defense system (T-cells) mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. About 9% of people with psoriasis go on to develop psoriatic arthritis. It often starts between ages 30-50 but can happen at any age.
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This problem with the immune system leads to swelling and irritation in both the skin and joints. The body’s defense system gets stuck in overdrive, sending out signals that cause even more redness, pain, and discomfort. Early signs of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) include swollen, sausage-shaped fingers or toes (dactylitis), pain where tendons connect to bones (enthesitis), and joint stiffness, especially in the morning, lasting over 30 minutes.
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Diagnosing Psoriatic Arthritis early is very important because the joint damage can’t be reversed. Watch out for symptoms such as lower back pain, tender joints, or difficulty moving. Seeing a rheumatologist early, keeping a healthy weight, and adopting an anti-inflammatory lifestyle can help control both psoriasis and PsA effectively.
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