Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis occurs in approximately 5-10% of people who have psoriasis. It is more commonly found in men with generalized and/or pustular psoriasis. More frequently, involvement is limited to one or a few joints, often the knees. If the hands and feet are affected, the small joints may become swollen and deformed, and nail changes often occur. Back pain may indicate arthritis of the spine and/or sacroiliac joints (located at the bottom of the back). If you have psoriasis and are experiencing joint pain or swelling, you should inform your physician. Early diagnosis and management can prevent the potentially irreversible destruction of the affected joints.