Library
All Topics
Profile: Psoriatic Arthritis
Definition:
A chronic inflammatory form of autoimmune joint disease, part of the spondyloarthritis group. Psoriatic arthritis occurs in some people with psoriasis of the skin or nails, and is characterised by pain, swelling, and stiffness, affecting the joints asymmetrically (hips, fingers, toes, and knees). Progressing in flare-ups, it is due to an immune system reaction against the joints, tendons, and ligaments. It can thus be polyarticular/peripheral (arthritis), tendinous (enthesitis), and axial (spinal).
Internal and external causes:
Family predisposition (hereditary) with genetic variants in the genes involved in immunity.
How to reduce or eliminate:
Taking analgesics or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen or ketoprofen) to combat pain and morning stiffness; administering corticosteroid injections directly into painful joints; prescribing immunosuppressants (methotrexate, ustekinumab, guselkumab, ixekizumab, apremilast) to slow the progression of the disease and prevent flare-ups; utilising PUVA therapy; treatment with biotherapy using anti-TNF agents (etanercept, infliximab, etc.), interleukin inhibitors or Janus kinase inhibitors; surgical interventions.
Preventative steps to take:
/
Related articles: Rhumatisme psoriasique.