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Home | Disease & Illness | Skin Cancer One of the less well-known forms of this disease is known as psoriatic arthritis. What is psoriatic arthritis? As its name indicates, psoriatic arthritis is associated with psoriasis, the common skin condition characterized by inflammation of the skin, scaling, and red raised patches of skin. It is estimated that psoriasis affects approximately 2 per cent of the Caucasian population in the United States, although it can occur in people from all backgrounds. When you have psoriasis, this skin condition attacks the skin of the knees, the elbows, the scalp and the face. It can even be seen in the navel! One of the most distressing areas that you may find psoriasis in in the genital and anal area. There is a small portion of those who suffer with psoriasis who also develop inflammation in the impacted joints. It is this small population of sufferers who are then identified as being diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. So there you go. Seems to go hand in hand. Having psoriasis, the skin condition, is a major risk factor for the development of psoriatic arthritis. This is particularly true if your psoriasis has begun to affect the joint. Not typically a young persons' disease, psoriatic arthritis most often impacts most patients later in life, most often when people are in their forties and fifties. Men and women seem to be equally attacked by this condition. There doesn't seem to be an increased incidence of occurrence between one sex or the other. In this case, men and women are equal! The majority of patients experience onset of the diseases at different times. It is common that patients develop psoriasis before experiencing symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. Approximately 80 per cent of psoriatic arthritis patients develop psoriasis before the arthritis. The majority of patients experience onset of the diseases at different times. It is common that patients develop psoriasis before experiencing symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. Approximately 80 per cent of psoriatic arthritis patients develop psoriasis before the arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis is a systematic disease just like other forms of arthritis. With any systemic disease, other areas of the body can be attacked as well. So this simply means that you best be on the look out for problems with other body parts. For example, psoriatic arthritis patients can also be at risk for other problems with the kidneys and lungs. Patients may also experience problems with the heart, the eyes and the mouth. Systemic ... affecting other areas as well. The whole body is at risk. In the most serious cases of psoriatic arthritis, the impact on your vital organs can be life altering. With psoriatic arthritis, you are also at increased risk for spinal inflammation with can cause increased pain and limited movements. So just what is responsible for psoriatic arthritis? What is the cause of psoriatic arthritis? While there are many theories on the "why" behind the reasons patients develop psoriatic arthritis, the bottom line is that the cause of this condition truly remains unknown. The majority of health care professionals generally agree that psoriatic arthritis is most probably a result of a combination of factors. These factors can be related to a variety of environmental factors, genetic factors and even an immune system basis. Researchers have been able to identify a genetic marker known as gene marker-HLA-B27- that is often present in the DNA of many of those patients who suffer with psoriatic arthritis. There are even other genetic markers that are found in cases of psoriatic arthritis which continue to lead to researchers to believe that this condition is genetic in nature. Lab tests can help to confirm these genetic markers if they are present. Some research also indicates that a faulty immune system may also be a causative factor in the case of psoriatic arthritis. Other research shows that environmental factors may be to blame. Any way you slice it, the reasons can vary behind the development of psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis is not something to be taken lightly. It is a serious health condition and must be managed as such. Partnering with your health care provider can produce the best result in managing this disease. Article Source: http://www.articlewheel.com
For more important information on arthritis resources visit www.arthritis-life.com where you'll find information on arthritis topics such as arthritis symptoms, arthritis relief & more
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