Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)is a chronic disease thatat least for nowhas no cure.
Treatments are getting better, though.
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What Is Psoriatic Arthritis?
Natalia SERDYUK / Getty Images
Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory disease related topsoriasis, which is anautoimmune disease.
About 85% of the people with PsA had psoriasis first.
That causes damage and inflammation.
On light skin, psoriasis looks red and scaly.
On darker skin, the patches are darker and thicker.
Recap
Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic disease with no cure.
It develops as a consequence of the autoimmune skin disease psoriasis.
Causes
The causes of autoimmune disease arent yet understood.
About 40% of people with PsA have one or more close family members with it.
With successful treatment, some people with PsA go into remission.
That means their symptoms are extremely light or non-existent.
However, its not a cure, and symptoms could someday return.
Many treatment options are available.
But most people with PsA need prescription creams and ointments.
OTC NSAIDs include:
Stronger NSAIDs are available by prescription.
These include:
Steroids: Oral or Injectable
These powerful inflammation fighters are treatments for flares.
Some common ones are:
Opioids
Opioids, also called narcotics, are strong painkillers.
Because theyre addictive, they should be reserved for short-term use of severe pain.
Theyre also called immunosuppressants.
Some come in pill form and some are injectable or an infusion.
However, its considered a last resort.
Different types are:
Fewer than 10% of PsA cases ever require surgery.
That helps get medical science closer to understanding the underlying causes and mechanisms.
For now, though, successful treatment and remission are the goals to strive for.
Ongoing research is aimed at finding biomarkers that will allow healthcare providers to diagnose PsA earlier.
Coping
Adopting healthy lifestyle changes can help you combat symptoms and cope better with psoriatic arthritis.
Its usually preceded by the autoimmune skin disease psoriasis.
Inflammation from psoriasis spills over beyond the skin to joints.
The causes of PsA arent fully understood.
Along with the immune system, genetics and lifestyle factors are believed to play roles.
Treatment goals include managing symptoms, protecting your quality of life, and preventing joint damage.
Prescription and OTC ointments, creams, and medications are available.
Rarely, joint surgery may be necessary.
Some evidence also supports acupuncture and mindfulness meditation to relieve pain and stress.
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