Psoriatic arthritis manifests itself differently in different people. Some of the most common symptoms are:

• changes to the outer joints of the hand


• inflammatory arthritis, similar to rheumatoid arthritis, which is characterized by pain and redness in the joints


• some people experience spinal problems


• psoriasis, which is marked by the development of grey, scaly spots on the scalp, elbows and knees

Psoriatic arthritis affects one in 1,000 people in the Untied States. Psoriatic arthritis usually develops in men and women between the ages of 20 and 50.

The cause of psoriatic arthritis is unknown. Researchers believe certain people have a genetic predisposition to developing the condition. People with severe psoriasis are more prone to developing psoriatic arthritis.

Diagnosis is made based upon physical exam, medical history, certain blood tests and an X-ray exam.

Usually, the skin and the joint aspects of the disease are treated separately. Joint involvement is treated with anti-inflammatory medications, while treatment for psoriasis is usually done by applying corticosteroid creams.