Intensity of Psoriasis, Extent of Affected Body Area, and Occurrence of Psoriatic Arthritis
In a world where nearly 7.5 million adults in the United States live with psoriasis, it's essential to understand the potential risks associated with this skin condition. One such risk is the development of psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a form of joint inflammation that can affect up to 34.7% of people living with psoriasis worldwide.
Researchers have been studying the connection between psoriasis and PsA, looking for trends in symptoms that may predict the likelihood of developing PsA. Their findings suggest that the severity of psoriasis and the total body surface area affected by the condition may play significant roles in this risk.
Severe psoriasis often reflects a higher burden of systemic inflammation, which contributes not only to skin symptoms but also to joint inflammation characteristic of PsA. Studies indicate that the greater the body surface area affected by psoriasis plaques, the higher the likelihood of concurrent or subsequent joint involvement.
The systemic inflammation in psoriasis is thought to be mediated by inflammatory cytokines and immune pathways that affect both skin and joint tissues. Biomarkers such as C-reactive protein are often elevated, indicating this systemic process.
In addition to the severity of psoriasis, other risk factors for developing PsA include metabolic and cardiovascular comorbidities, genetic and environmental triggers, obesity, and smoking status. Depression is also considered a risk factor.
People with psoriasis should inform their doctor if they experience any joint symptoms that may indicate PsA, such as swollen, stiff, or painful joints. Earlier diagnosis and treatment of PsA may lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life.
The collective name for psoriasis and PsA is psoriatic disease. Lesions on the nails, scalp, and skin folds may indicate an increased risk of developing PsA. Understanding the risk factors for PsA may help doctors diagnose the joint condition sooner.
If you or someone you know has psoriasis, it's important to discuss the risk of developing PsA with a healthcare provider. Managing overall inflammation and controlling skin disease severity may help mitigate PsA risk.
References:
- Global Healthy Living Foundation. (n.d.). Psoriatic Arthritis. Retrieved from https://www.ghlf.org/conditions/psoriatic-arthritis/
- National Psoriasis Foundation. (n.d.). Psoriatic Arthritis. Retrieved from https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/psoriatic-arthritis
- National Psoriasis Foundation. (2021). Psoriasis and Cardiovascular Disease. Retrieved from https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/psoriatic-disease/cardiovascular-disease
- National Psoriasis Foundation. (2021). Psoriasis and Obesity. Retrieved from https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/psoriatic-disease/obesity
- National Psoriasis Foundation. (2021). Psoriasis and Mental Health. Retrieved from https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/psoriatic-disease/mental-health
- Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a form of joint inflammation that affects up to 34.7% of people living with psoriasis globally, and it's crucial to comprehend the potential risks associated with this skin condition.
- Researchers have been studying the connection between psoriasis and PsA, looking for trends in symptoms that may predict the likelihood of developing PsA, with findings suggesting that the severity and total body surface area affected by psoriasis may play significant roles in this risk.
- The systemic inflammation in psoriasis is thought to be mediated by inflammatory cytokines and immune pathways that affect both skin and joint tissues, with biomarkers such as C-reactive protein often elevated, indicating this systemic process.
- In addition to the severity of psoriasis, other risk factors for developing PsA include metabolic and cardiovascular comorbidities, genetic and environmental triggers, obesity, smoking status, and depression.
- If you or someone you know has psoriasis, it's important to discuss the risk of developing PsA with a healthcare provider, as managing overall inflammation and controlling skin disease severity may help mitigate PsA risk.
- People with psoriasis should inform their doctor if they experience any joint symptoms that may indicate PsA, such as swollen, stiff, or painful joints, as earlier diagnosis and treatment of PsA may lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life.
