Psoriasis patients may develop psoriatic arthritis, study claims

Individuals with psoriasis who experience joint pain and swelling could have undiagnosed psoriatic arthritis, according to a recent study.

Researchers at the National Psoriasis Foundation in the US has discovered that nearly one in four people with psoriasis or a family history of the disease may have psoriatic arthritis.

An inflammatory form of arthritis that affects joints and tendons, psoriatic arthritis is often undiagnosed, or if diagnosed, not done so in a timely manner.

Dr Mark Lebwohl, chair of the National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board, stated: "It's vital to diagnose and treat psoriatic arthritis early in order to prevent or slow joint damage.

"Yet, nearly 30 per cent of psoriatic arthritis patients said it took more than two years for a diagnosis."

Research has shown that psoriasis patients who were obese at the age of 18 also have a greater risk of developing psoriatic arthritis.

The age at which patients exhibit psoriasis symptoms also affects the likelihood of contracting psoriatic arthritis, as does being female and having large surface areas affected by psoriasis.

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