What are the Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis?

Psoriatic Arthritis is also considered an autoimmune disease, so it attacks health cells and causes inflammation, stiffness, and pain. Though it generally affects the skin, psoriatic arthritis can also cause inflammation in the eyes, heart, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. Psoriatic Arthritis flare-ups are likely caused by a combination of genetics, diet, and environmental triggers.

Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis vary widely and can be similar to psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. In some cases, the disease begins damaging joints before visible signs of it appear, making it harder to diagnose. In some people, the red patches and dry skin only appear in select areas on the body, while others have it in multiple places. In severe psoriatic arthritis cases, the scaly patches can cover up to 10% of the body.

People with the disease commonly experience flare-ups, when psoriatic arthritis symptoms are at their worst, followed by periods of remission that can last for months.

Common Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms Checklist:

• Red patches of thick skin with silvery scales
• Joint pain
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Swollen fingers and toes
• Chronic fatigue
• Burning and itching sensations
• Eye irritation and inflammation