Each pattern can be seen by itself or in combination with other patterns:
Asymmetrical oligoarticular arthritis (arthritis that affects two or more joints in the first 6 months of disease onset)
Symmetric polyarthritis- arthritis on both sides of body parts [may mimic rheumatoid arthritis but should be RF- and anti-CCP negative (these are markers tested for inflammatory conditions)]
Distal interphalangeal arthropathy (inflammation, bone erosion, the formation of bony nodules on the joint, and swelling in tendons and ligaments where they attach to the joint of the small joints in the hand)
Arthritis mutilans (severe inflammation of joints that often results in joint deformity occurs rarely in patients with psoriatic arthritis, though classification systems vary
Spondylitis with or without sacroiliitis (inflammation of the joints in the back bone with or without lower back/buttock pain)
Other features are:
Swelling around middle of fingers (‘sausage digit’)
The CASPAR consist of established inflammatory articular disease with a total of at least 3 points present from the following features (note that one can only score points for one of the three psoriasis criteria):
Current psoriasis (2 points)
A history of psoriasis (in the absence of current psoriasis; 1 point)
A family history of psoriasis (in the absence of current psoriasis and history of psoriasis, 1 point)
Dactylitis (1 point) – (‘ swelling’ in the middle of finger- ‘sausage digits’)
Juxta-articular (near a joint) new bone formation (1 point)
Rheumatoid factor (RF) (marker in blood testing)- negativity (1 point)
Nail dystrophy (1 point)
Cause
Unknown
An autoimmune disease where immune system attacks it own body (in this case joints and the skin)
Researchers have suggested there is a possible link between PsA development and tobacco smoking, but tobacco use is not included in the above criteria.
High temperature greater than 38°C (100°F) or over and/or chills and sweats longer than 72 hours (rheumatic fever)?
Cold hand and feet which can be numb and painful?
Hard Painless lump and/or not moving and and/or is becoming larger?
Dry, red skin patches (plaques) on white skin (purple colour in black skin) covered in silvery scales?
Silvery scales flake off easily when scratched/touched and is hot/red/tender underneath?
Inflamed sore hot skin which can be angry and/or burning skin?
Red patch(s) has a sharp border/edge with normal skin?
Small white pustules that spread and join together to form what is referred to as “lakes of pus,” which eventually peel off in a sheet-like pattern to reveal hot, red and swollen underlying skin (deep red rash and burnt looking skin)?
Rash mainly occur on the outer joints (though can occur on any part of body)?
Experience skin flare-ups (they could happen regularly or from time to time)?
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Psoriasis Arthritis in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
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