Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune disease that appears on the skin. It occurs when the immune system sends out faulty signals that speed up the growth cycle of skin cells. It is not contagious,yet is the most common autoimmune disease in the United states, affecting as many as (7.5) million Americans. Psoriasis has been linked to other serious health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and depression. About 30 percent of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes pain, stiffness and swelling in and around the joints (Taylor et al,2006). Psoriatic arthritis can develop at any age, but it most commonly appears between the ages of 30 and 50 years. Genes, the immune system, and environmental
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a number of distinct clinical features allow it to be distinguished from other forms of inflammatory arthritis (Mease,2009). Joint inflammation and stiffness in patients with psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis share a common feature.Both conditions are caused by an erosive inflammatory arthritis. The distribution of joint involvement however, differs between the two diseases.Classic rheumatoid arthritis is a symmetrical disease primarily involving the Proximal interphalangeal joints and wrists. Rheumatoid arthritis nodules are often present. Psoriasis is an asymmetric disease most often causing "sausage deformities" of the digits, and deformities of the Distal interphalangeal joints of fingers and toes involved with psoriatic nail changes. Typically, skin lesions are associated with psoriasis. Sometimes proliferative synovitis of the wrists and fingers occur, resembling rheumatoid arthritis. In these cases, x-rays and laboratory testing help to differentiate the two diseases. Treatment for both conditions are similar, using anti-inflammatory agents, anti-malarials, and adding methotrexate (paul,2012). Treating the skin alone seems to have little impact on joint disease, and the relationship between skin and joints is still unclear. However, recent studies with anti-tumour necrosis factor agents, such as etanercept and infliximab, have shown considerable
a number of distinct clinical features allow it to be distinguished from other forms of inflammatory arthritis (Mease,2009). Joint inflammation and stiffness in patients with psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis share a common feature.Both conditions are caused by an erosive inflammatory arthritis. The distribution of joint involvement however, differs between the two diseases.Classic rheumatoid arthritis is a symmetrical disease primarily involving the Proximal interphalangeal joints and wrists. Rheumatoid arthritis nodules are often present. Psoriasis is an asymmetric disease most often causing "sausage deformities" of the digits, and deformities of the Distal interphalangeal joints of fingers and toes involved with psoriatic nail changes. Typically, skin lesions are associated with psoriasis. Sometimes proliferative synovitis of the wrists and fingers occur, resembling rheumatoid arthritis. In these cases, x-rays and laboratory testing help to differentiate the two diseases. Treatment for both conditions are similar, using anti-inflammatory agents, anti-malarials, and adding methotrexate (paul,2012). Treating the skin alone seems to have little impact on joint disease, and the relationship between skin and joints is still unclear. However, recent studies with anti-tumour necrosis factor agents, such as etanercept and infliximab, have shown considerable